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

Giancarlo Stanton turned back the clock with a huge showing in August.
Sep 1 2025 3:09am
Brenton Doyle's recent surge and elite results and skills vs. LHers confirm that he has not reached his ceiling yet.
Aug 25 2025 3:07am
Following the trade deadline, Arizona has returned Geraldo Perdomo to the top of the lineup. Plus, notes on Noelvi Marte and Brett Baty deserving better spots in the batting order.
Aug 22 2025 3:10am
Two NL East outfielders, Brandon Marsh and Michael Harris II, have made notable adjustments in the course of the 2025 season.
Aug 19 2025 3:07am
Brett Baty's recent surge and wide home/road splits support his potential for even further growth.
Aug 18 2025 3:09am

Tools