The baseball season is the gift that keeps on giving. We never have a shortage of excitement and things to break down. This past week was no different, so let’s take a look at some items that caught my attention.
Nothing to Worry About in Milwaukee
The beginning of the season really couldn’t have been more difficult for Jackson Chourio. The strikeouts were overwhelming, and the struggles were hard to ignore. We can spin all the cliches we want about it being early in the season, but that doesn’t change what we were seeing. Between the emotional and rational parts of our brains, it’s sometimes difficult to find that separation.
While his strikeout percentage still sits at 28.8%, Chourio is currently performing as the elite and transcendent player we thought he was. His batting average is now up to .310 with four home runs, 16 RBI, and 11 runs scored. That comes with a .345 ISO, 14.3% barrel rate, and a 57.1% hard-hit rate. Carry on with the young outfielder.
Good Hitters Hit
For as bad as the start to the season was for Chourio, it was even worse for Rafael Devers. He had to adjust to DH; his shoulders weren’t healthy, and he wasn’t happy. We heard all of it from Devers when, in fact, he was just off to a slow start to the 2025 season. His Spring Training was interrupted by the shoulder injuries, and again, it was a small sample size and still early in the season.
However, we should introduce a caveat here. Those concerns weren’t exactly unfounded or the case of an overreaction. The fact that Devers is now hitting .278 is an even bigger deal based on how he started the season, and his nine RBI and eight runs scored are reasonable. But Devers has just one home run. The elephant in the room is going to be how his power holds up this season.
A career low .148 ISO certainly does not help that train of thought. However, a 20% barrel rate and 65.7% hard-hit rate should provide some relief.
Don’t Sleep on Torkelson
After last year’s struggles and a trip to the minor leagues, Spencer Torkelson became a forgotten entity. We can’t forget, though, that Torkelson is still just 25 years old, and he was the first overall pick in 2020.
We’re always going to have to worry about strikeouts with Torkelson, but he’s seemingly changed and improved his approach this year. He likely won’t continue with his .311 batting average, .423 BABIP, and .265 xBA, but it’s hard to complain about the latter number.
When you focus on Torkelson’s 13.8% barrel rate, 55.2% hard-hit rate, 92.8 miles per hour average exit velocity, and .311 ISO, this is the perfect example of a post-hype sleeper. It also backs up his three home run, seven RBI, nine run scored start to the season in chilly Detroit which suppresses offense.
Follow the Hitting Coach
Thank me later, as I spared everyone from yet another Kyren Paris pun regarding his last name. What can’t be ignored, though, is the early season production from the former prospect. Upside and tools were always present with Paris, but to say he struggled with inconsistency and turning it into results would be an understatement.
While it is just one early season stretch, it’s impossible to ignore the adjustments Paris made this offseason. They didn’t come out of nowhere as Paris put in the work with Aaron Judge’s hitting coach.
You can make all the arguments you want about a .393 batting average not being sustainable, but Paris does have a .332 xBA. And with a 62.3% contact rate, that’s bound to happen. However, Paris has five home runs and four stolen bases, and that production can’t be ignored. With a 22.7% barrel rate and 54.5% hard-hit rate, Paris is punishing the ball and making good use of his 13-degree average launch angle. That mark is doubled from where it was last year, and there’s a real chance Paris goes 20/20 this year.
Zac Veen Gets the Call
Coors Field is always alluring when we’re talking about hitters, and top prospect Zac Veen is the next player to gain that benefit. He’s certainly flashed some tools and potential in the minor leagues, but Veen’s power is still developing, and there are strikeout concerns.
On Thursday, Veen’s first career hit was an RBI double. The Rockies appear committed to giving Veen regular playing time and a chance to show what he can do. Veen’s power should come, but he can be an explosive 20/30 threat once he gets rolling.
A Future Ace in Miami
For multiple reasons, it has been an uneven start to his career for the 2020 first-round pick. Entering 2025, though, Max Meyer is healthy, has a regular rotation spot, and has already gotten the adjustment pains of acclimating to the major leagues out of the way. Now, it likely won’t be truly smooth sailing, but he did start 11 games and log 57 innings last year.
Through his first three starts this year, Meyer certainly looks more comfortable and sports a 2.00 ERA. His average fastball velocity has increased to 95.2 miles per hour,r with his ground ball rate jumping to 54.2%. He’s also striking out 9.50 batters per inning while showing off a full arsenal of pitches.
There’s More Than One Starter in Texas
Between the talent of Jacob deGrom and the top prospect status of Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter, it’s easy for another starting pitcher to get lost in the shuffle. Tyler Mahle also returned from injury late last season, and he has found success as well.
Previously, Mahle had success with the Reds before having health issues. In three starts to begin this season, Mahle has two victories and can be an interesting option in the back of the rotation. That doesn’t mean he should book a trip to the All-Star game, but Mahle does have a 1.32 ERA, even if it comes with a 3.84 xERA and 2.75 FIP. He’s not going to truly overpower anyone, but winning teams need reliable starters like Mahle in the back end of the rotation.
Is a Cy Young Coming to Cincinnati
When it comes to elite velocity, there are few better than Hunter Greene. There was never any doubt that Greene can throw hard, but last year he dropped it “down” to 97.8 miles per hour on his fastball. It was helpful as Greene worked on his control, 3.41 walks per nine innings, but it was still a strong season.
The right-hander finished a 2.75 ERA while still striking out 10 batters per nine innings. That trend of success has continued this year, but Greene’s ERA now sits at 1.31, and he’s walking just 1.31 batters per nine innings. If Greene can truly harness the velocity and improve his control, this could be the year he really takes the next step.
The Conversion is Coming in New York
Adjustments are hard. Doing it on a big stage with the pressure of winning games is even harder. That’s what Clay Holmes is currently working through with the New York Mets.
Holmes went from being an All-Star closer in 2024 to an Opening Day starting pitcher in 2025. His pitch mix and attack plan played better as a starter as opposed to the high-stress ninth inning, but adjusting to being a starting pitcher isn’t easy. You have to work through being tired, and also facing hitters two to three times per game.
In his last start against the Marlins, Holmes struck out 10 batters while pitching to mixed results. Overall, Holmes has 20 strikeouts in 14.2 innings to go along with a 4.30 ERA. Control has been the real issue here as Holmes continues to work through things, walking 5.52 batters per nine innings. A 2.29 FIP points to what can be for Holmes as he gets more comfortable.
A New Role for Max Fried
Max Fried didn’t come cheap this off-season for the Yankees. They needed a quality starting pitcher behind Gerrit Cole, but we know what happens to plans and good ideas. Fried is now the ace for New York with increased pressure.
The good news for Fried is that the beginning of his Yankees career couldn’t have gone any better. He has a 1.56 ERA while striking out almost 11 batters per nine innings with just 1.56 walks. Fried has a 51.9% ground ball rate and is pitching like the ace New York needed.
