BATTERS: Very early fast start holds, 2020

Even in a short season, it's important to identify which hot starts are for real and have shaky staying power.

Here are five guys in each league whose strong early results should not warrant a heavy dose of skepticism.
 

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Bo Bichette (SS, TOR) has stormed out of the gates so far in 2020 (.356 BA, 5 HR, 13 RBI, 4 SB, 1.065 OPS in 59 AB). Those results have been paired with a steep increase in contact too (74% ct% in 2019, 83% ct% in 2020). Bichette's Statcast metrics support his production. His 89.9 mph exit velocity ranks in the 63rd percentile, while his 16.3 barrel rate is one of the best in the game. He has found more of an uppercut in his swing too (10.4 degree launch angle in 2019, 13.7 degree launch angle in 2020)....

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

In our last installment this season, a look at the lineup spots for James Wood, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Junior Caminero.
Sep 6 2024 3:03am
Jackson Merrill's huge multi-category contributions in August came with strong underlying support.
Sep 2 2024 3:07am
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has seemed destined for greatness from the time he was a teenager, but he has had an up-and-down journey in the Major Leagues. We dig into how he has bounced back in 2024.
Aug 27 2024 3:08am
The exciting early returns from James Wood would accelerate quickly if he could figure out a way to loft the ball against lefties.
Aug 26 2024 3:06am
This week we focus on three hitters who moved into new lineup spots in the second half, fueling improved production.
Aug 23 2024 3:03am

Tools