All articles tagged with #power hitting
Munetaka Murakami, Japan's top slugger, is expected to sign with an MLB team within the next five days after being posted by the Yakult Swallows, with his market evaluation focusing on his power potential and contact issues, and teams weighing the risks and rewards of a potentially prime-age superstar.
The Red Sox need to increase their power hitting to improve their postseason performance, as their home run numbers were modest in 2025, and they may seek power hitters in free agency or develop young players like Casas, Mayer, and Anthony.
The San Francisco Giants had a limited number of picks on Day 2 of the MLB Draft due to penalties but made a significant selection with outfielder Dakota Jordan in the fourth round, a player known for his exceptional power. The Giants focused on drafting college players, particularly outfielders with power potential, to replenish their Minor League depth. The draft concludes with rounds 11-20, where the Giants hope to find more impact players.
Jung Hoo Lee, the South Korean center fielder for the San Francisco Giants, showcased his power hitting skills against the Padres, continuing his hot start to his MLB career. Lee's impressive performance, including a home run and hard-hit balls, has garnered attention and praise from his teammates and management. His success is seen as crucial to the Giants' competitiveness and fan base appeal, and he aims to pave the way for more KBO players to transition to the Major Leagues.
Giancarlo Stanton's impressive three-home run performance in a spring training game has the New York Yankees buzzing with excitement as they prepare for the upcoming season. After struggling in recent years, Stanton's revamped swing and physical conditioning have shown promising results, with teammates and coaches noting his improved approach at the plate and increased mobility. Despite facing criticism and injury setbacks, Stanton's determination to contribute to the team's success is evident, and the Yankees are hopeful that his recent performance is a sign of things to come.
Several young MLB hitters are poised to make a leap in 2024 based on their plate discipline, power hitting, and contact metrics. Players like Spencer Torkelson, Jack Suwinski, Francisco Alvarez, and Christopher Morel show promise in various aspects of their game, from improving walk rates to maximizing raw power. These breakout candidates have the potential to elevate their performance and become impactful players in the upcoming season.
The San Francisco Giants addressed their lack of power hitting by signing Jorge Soler to a three-year, $42 million deal, making him their most feared hitter. Soler's ability to hit for power, even in a pitcher-friendly ballpark like Oracle Park, fills a significant need for the Giants. While Soler's defensive limitations and high strikeout rate are concerns, his potential to provide much-needed home runs outweighs these drawbacks. The addition of Soler improves the Giants' lineup and puts them in a better position for the upcoming season.
The Philadelphia Phillies are dominating the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League Championship Series with their impressive power hitting, outscoring opponents 19-4 in the postseason. Led by players like Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, and Bryce Harper, the Phillies continue to set records and squash the confidence of their opponents. With strong pitching performances from Aaron Nola, the Phillies are on track to sweep the Diamondbacks and advance to the World Series.
Bryce Harper plans to play first base in the second half of the season and hopes to regain his power hitting form. Despite getting hit on his surgically repaired right elbow, Harper is expected to be fine. His ability to play first base could impact the Phillies' trade deadline plans, as they may pursue a left fielder if Harper can play first. Harper acknowledges that he is not yet performing at his best, but remains optimistic about the team's chances and believes they will make necessary upgrades to compete in the postseason.
The Washington Nationals avoided a sweep against the Los Angeles Dodgers with a 10-6 victory, powered by multiple home runs. Luis García hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning, while Keibert Ruiz added a two-run shot in the ninth. The Nationals' young core of García, Ruiz, and CJ Abrams all homered in the game, marking a small milestone in the team's rebuild. Despite some defensive miscues and a rocky fifth inning for starting pitcher Patrick Corbin, the Nationals used their power hitting to overcome the Dodgers' early lead and secure the win.
The Houston Astros have struggled to generate power this season, with only four teams posting a lower rate than their .133 ISO. Injuries and regression have contributed to the decline, but the return of Jose Altuve should provide a boost to the lineup's power output. Altuve has maintained an ISO of at least .211 since 2019 and will strengthen the lineup in front of Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker.
The New York Mets have called up Mark Vientos, who will likely serve as the team's everyday designated hitter. Vientos has hit 13 home runs for Triple-A Syracuse, providing much-needed power to the Mets' lineup. With Vientos' addition, the Mets will now have three of their top hitting prospects in their everyday lineup. The team hopes to benefit from giving their young hitters significant reps in an everyday role.
The Atlanta Braves are struggling to find answers for their offensive struggles after a potent 1-3 start to the season. The team's batter lineup has been unable to produce consistent power hitting, leaving the Braves searching for solutions to their lackluster performance at the plate.