+34
Thanks to their recent trades, the Toronto Blue Jays have the chance to evaluate a speedy, contact-first center fielder.
Thanks to their recent trades, the Toronto Blue Jays have the chance to evaluate a speedy, contact-first center fielder.ranks him No. 20 in Toronto’s system, and he entered the organization with only three home runs this season and six across his entire professional career.gives his speed a 70 grade, while his range allows him to handle center field.
His strong walk, chase, and whiff rates with legitimate power. Bateman has a much different power profile, as his 52.5% ground-ball rate and 105.7 mph maximum exit velocity suggest his low home run totals are about more than a mechanical issue.
For context, Chandler Simpson has yet to hit a Major League home run, yet his 106.8 mph maximum exit velocity this season still exceeds Bateman’s, per. That comparison does not eliminate Bateman’s offensive value, but it reinforces why his other traits will have to work overtime to compensate for his power deficiency. Myles Straw received the first opportunities in center field after the deadline.
He remains a capable defender, but the Blue Jays already understand what he provides as a 13-year veteran. Giving those at-bats to Bateman would allow the organization to gather information it does not yet have. The decision could also influence Toronto’s offseason roster planning. Bateman can be selected in December’s Rule 5 Draft unless the Blue Jays add him to their 40-man roster.
A promotion would require Toronto to make that commitment immediately, so the decision is not one that should be made hastily. However, if the Blue Jays already expect to protect him, the final two months offer an opportunity to determine whether his skill set can hold up in the Majors. Toronto’s deadline created both the opening and the reason to test him.
The final two months should be used to determine whether Bateman can turn that opportunity into a permanent place in the organization’s plans. Wesley Dixon is a sports writer focused on thoughtful analysis, roster-building angles, player development and feature-style storytelling. He has covered the Philadelphia 76ers and the NBA, with work centered on breaking down team direction, player fit and the larger stories behind the game. Wesley is a lifelong MLB fan, following multiple teams throughout the league.
He is excited to bring that same detail-oriented approach to On SI.
Scratch the next story
Please follow us on Google to support usUnited States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Blue Jays' Trey Yesavage Forced off Mound Mid-Start With Injury vs. AstrosThe Toronto Blue Jays have been absolutely dismantled this season by injuries, especially their starting rotation, and it keeps getting worse.
Read more »
Blue Jays GM offers candid take on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s shocking season: ‘I lose sleep’Guerrero entered Wednesday hitting just .259 with six home runs and 44 RBIs.
Read more »