BATTERS: Early-season surprises, 2015

Let's continue our analysis of early-season surprises by taking a closer look at a bunch of bats in each league who are off to noteworthy starts, both on the surface and beneath it.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

José Bautista (RF, TOR) has an ugly .149 BA after 59 PA, a mark that could lead some of his owners to shop him on the trade market. Smart owners will blame that mark on a tiny .097 BABIP, the lowest BABIP of any batter in MLB so far. With steadily strong plate control (19% bb%, 0.92 Eye), good hard contact (111 HctX), and excellent power skills 185 xPX, hold Bautista and enjoy the upswing, assuming his shoulder is sound.

Lorenzo Cain (CF, KC) has been a multi-category contributor so far in April (2 HR, 5 SB), and he is posting the highest...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Batters

This week's post features Tyler Soderstrom, now batting third for the Athletics, Geraldo Perdomo and Pavin Smith rising in the Arizona lineup, plus two LHHs now batting first.
Apr 18 2025 3:10am
Jonathan India's slow start is hiding excellent plate discipline and batted ball quality, which gives hope for a big rebound.
Apr 14 2025 3:07am
Jeremy Peña's early combination of batted ball quality and plate discipline is putting him on the path to a big season in 2025.
Apr 7 2025 3:06am
A look into two young hitters who have improved their fantasy stock by moving up in the batting order.
Apr 4 2025 3:05am
We are back for Year 2 of Swings and Takes, with potentially exciting adjustments from former #1 overall picks.
FREE
Apr 1 2025 3:10am

Tools