Baseball’s Spring Awakening: The Excitement Returns
Spring training has finally arrived, and with it comes the familiar thrill of baseball games all day long, from Saturday to Sunday. This weekend’s action was particularly brisk, providing us with an early peek at some players’ performances and a sense of what the upcoming 2025 season might hold. While it’s crucial not to overreact to small sample sizes from these spring games, there are interesting developments worth noting. Let’s dive into some of the most intriguing takeaways from the hitters and pitchers on the field.
Hitters in the Spotlight
Elly De La Cruz, the St. Louis Cardinals’ young slugger, made a significant statement by homering from both sides of the plate in a single game on Saturday. While his power is well-known, this performance suggests he’s addressing his platoon splits. De La Cruz hit just .224 with a .661 OPS against lefties last year, compared to a much more robust .275 with a .876 OPS against right-handers. If he can sustain his two-way power in the spring, it could be a positive sign for his 2025 campaign.
Ceddanne Rafaela, a rising star in Boston, has undergone a swing overhaul. His new approach includes lower hands pre-load and a more deliberate leg lift, making him look more balanced at the plate. Rafaela struggled at the start of the 2024 season, having played only 48 career games at Triple-A. However, from May 1st to September 1st, he hit .273/.303/.417 with 12 home runs and 13 steals in 103 games, despite playing out of position at shortstop after Trevor Story’s injury. Given his defensive skills, Rafaela is likely to be Boston’s everyday center fielder this year, making him a potential late-round value in drafts.
Maikel Garcia, a Kansas City Royals infielder, has also adjusted his swing, with the bat now resting on his shoulder and a slight toe tap. This change could help him get his hands more directly to the ball and stabilize his batting average, which dipped over 40 points last season. Concurrently, MJ Melendez has been working on his swing, as detailed by some Royals writers, which could be a game changer for him this spring.
Thairo Estrada, a versatile infielder, had a standout performance with a two-RBI single and a 2-for-3 day with three RBIs on Sunday. Estrada was a consistent performer in San Francisco for two years before injuries sidelined him in 2024. He’s a solid late-round middle infield (MIF) target this year, providing depth and reliability.
Danny Jansen, the Rays’ catcher, started his spring with a home run in his first at-bat. While injuries have been a persistent issue, Jansen has historically been a high-contact-rate hitter with a powerful pull approach. The Rays’ minor league ballpark, which is just 318 feet down the left field line, could boost his home run numbers if he stays healthy. Jansen is a viable late-round catcher in two-catcher formats, potentially offering 15-20 home runs.
Prospective Talent Takes the Stage
Wilyer Abreu, a Red Sox prospect, is currently sidelined due to a gastrointestinal health issue. While the team remains optimistic, the timeline for his return to action is unclear. His health is paramount, but we can assume he’ll be ready by Opening Day.
Alejandro Kirk, the Blue Jays’ young catcher, had two 100 mph hits on Saturday. Kirk’s more aggressive approach in 2024 led to a decrease in his contact rate and an increase in swinging strikes, but if this newfound aggression translates to more authoritative contact, we might see the breakout performance we’ve been anticipating. His defensive skills ensure he’ll see ample playing time regardless of his offensive adjustments.
Orelvis Martinez, another Blue Jays prospect, hit a solid opposite-field home run on Saturday. This display of raw power is promising, given the Blue Jays’ lineup leans heavily on contact hitters with limited power. For Martinez to make the team, he’ll need to show proficiency at either second base or third base.
Luke Keaschall, the Twins’ young infielder, went 1-for-2 with a two-RBI single on Saturday. Drafted 49th overall in 2023, Keaschall hit .303/.420/.483 in 102 minor league games last season, showcasing 15 homers and 23 steals. If Brooks Lee and Edouard Julien falter early, Keaschall could force his way into the Twins’ second-half plans and emerge as a starting second baseman.
Bryce Eldridge, a Giants first baseman, hit a "MEGA BOMB" on Saturday, further solidifying his status as a rising prospect. At 20, Eldridge hit .289/.372/.513 in 117 minor league games, finishing the year at Triple-A. If he continues to perform at a high level, the Giants might move LaMonte Wade Jr. to another position to make room for Eldridge.
Pitcher Performance and Potential
Chris Sale, the Chicago White Sox’s ace, averaged 94.7 mph on his fastball in his first start, a positive sign after his injury-plagued 2024 season. Velocity is a key indicator of health and readiness, and Sale’s numbers suggest he’s on the right track.
Sandy Alcantara, the Miami Marlins’ ace, also looked healthy, averaging 98.8 mph on his fastball and throwing his usual low-90s changeups. Craig Mish reported that there will be no restrictions on Alcantara this season, indicating a potential 170-180 innings of dominant pitching. Currently being drafted as an SP3 in NFBC leagues, Alcantara offers tremendous value.
Dustin May, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ young right-hander, sat 94-95 mph in his first outing after arm surgery. May has struggled with injuries throughout his career, but if he can stay healthy, he has a good shot at winning the fifth-starter role. His mechanics and pitch command will be key areas to watch.
Corbin Burnes, the Milwaukee Brewers’ ace, showed no signs of regression, with his cutter looking as sharp as it did in September last year. Burnes is known for his precision and effectiveness, and his consistent performance in the spring is a reassuring sign for his 2025 season.
Zebby Matthews, a Brewers prospect, averaged 96.6 mph on his four-seam fastball, a two-mile-per-hour increase from last year. If Matthews can maintain this velocity and improve his command, he could become a valuable depth option. His ability to throw strikes in the minors has been notable, and these early improvements are encouraging.
Emerging Pitching Talent
Triston McKenzie, a Cleveland Guardians prospect, also saw a velocity increase, averaging over 93 mph with his four-seamer. Coming off a lost season due to injury, this boost in velocity is a good indicator of his health. McKenzie’s elite extension and iVB on his fastball, combined with better command, could propel him into a starting role.
Carlos Rodón, the Chicago White Sox left-hander, struggled in his first outing, but his changeup showed more drop. Rodón’s reliance on his changeup in the latter part of 2024 was a significant factor in his success, and this early development suggests he’s continuing to refine his arsenal.
Clay Holmes, the Yankees’ pitcher, added a kick-change and a cutter this off-season. These adjustments could expand his pitch mix and make him a more versatile starting option. If Marcus Stroman is traded, Holmes could find himself competing for a rotation spot, and his aggressive movement patterns on his slider and changeup make him an intriguing late-round pick.
Daniel Lynch, a Kansas City Royals left-hander, focused on repeating his mechanics and improving his command this off-season. Lynch’s ability to hit the strike zone consistently with his full arsenal in his first outing is a positive sign. He’s competing for the fifth-starter role with Noah Cameron, who hit 96 mph, a four-mile-per-hour increase from last year. Both pitchers were highly regarded prospects who never fully realized their potential, but this spring could be their breakthrough.
Health and Rotation Battles
Will Warren, a Yankees prospect, reminded observers of Michael King with his effective slider and changeup combo. His aggressive movement patterns in these pitches make him a strong candidate to fill a rotation spot if any injuries arise. Warren’s performance in the spring will be crucial in determining his role with the Yankees.
Brayan Bello, the Red Sox’s young right-hander, is delayed in his spring training schedule. While the team downplays the issue, this delay might affect his availability in the first week or two of the season. Bello’s late-round value as a starting pitcher remains intact, and his strong 2024 performance makes him a worthwhile gamble.
Final Thoughts and Potential Breakouts
Prelander Berroa, a White Sox prospect, is dealing with a Grade 1 elbow strain, and the team is evaluating the best course of action. However, the White Sox’s signing of Mike Clevinger, who expressed interest in potentially closing games, adds a layer of depth and versatility to the team’s pitching staff. Clevinger’s experience and confidence could be a significant asset.
In summary, spring training has provided a glimpse into the potential improvements and changes among both hitters and pitchers. While it’s too early to make sweeping judgments, these observations offer valuable insights into players who are refining their skills and could be key contributors in the 2025 season. Keep a close eye on these developments as the spring progresses, and don’t be afraid to take some calculated risks in your drafts.
