These players made the leap in 2023, and even more could be coming from them next season.
Before Hayes broke into the big leagues, Pirates evaluators anticipated his slow-developing power would improve in time. But in September 2020, his first month in the majors, Hayes ran off seven doubles, two triples and five homers. That kid could bat cleanup! Then the homers slowed to a trickle in 2021 and 2022 . Hayes had the right ingredients. He didn’t chase. He didn’t strike out. He hit the ball hard. But he was burning holes in the infield with grounders.
The power is here now. Hayes had just five homers and a .683 OPS before a back injury in early July, and since returning he has 10 homers and a .307/.345/.556 slash line in 46 games. He also leads all third basemen with 17 Outs Above Average this season and should be in line for his first Gold Glove. If he puts the whole package together in 2024, watch out.Ha Seong Kim has always played stellar defense, but he’s added speed and more consistent on-base ability to the package.
Kim is a plus defender across the infield, with 8 Outs Above Average . That hasn’t changed. What has? For one, his stolen-base production has surged from 12 steals last season to 36 this year. For another, Kim has become increasingly selective at the plate. He was already a patient hitter, but this season his walk rate , chase rate , first-pitch swing percentage and in-zone swing percentage have all swung three to five points further in that direction. So, now he’s rocking a .
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