Swings and Takes: Young stars front and central
Aug 5 2025
With the trade deadline passed, we now have a four-month sample for hitters from which to draw from. This allows us to dig deep into two of the best young hitters in the AL Central, one of whom has improved his approach in 2025, and one who has shown some concerning signs. Stats are as of the start of play on 8/3/2025.
Royal Approach
One common complaint about baseball today is that there are no .300 hitters anymore. This is only a slight exaggeration, as there are currently eight qualified hitters hitting .300 or higher. Our focus today is on a 25-year-old hitter who is slightly below that line currently, Maikel Garcia (3B, KC). Garcia is hitting .299/.355/.467 in 448 PAs, with great contact ability (13% strikeout rate), roughly...
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
Tyler Stephenson's modest early surface results are overshadowing some electric batted ball quality.
Apr 13 2026 3:06am
Apr 13 2026 3:06am
Drake Baldwin has entrenched himself in the second spot in the lineup, plus other hitters seeing a rise or decline in value based on the batting order.
Apr 10 2026 3:06am
Apr 10 2026 3:06am
Jordan Walker has been the game's exit velocity leader in the very early going, supported by a steep reduction in his chase rate.
Apr 6 2026 3:06am
Apr 6 2026 3:06am
Angel Martinez's electric spring and ability to play multiple positions make him an intriguing early bench stash.
Mar 30 2026 3:06am
Mar 30 2026 3:06am
Francisco Alvarez has carried forward his big second half into the spring, giving him legit 30-HR breakout potential in 2026.
Mar 21 2026 3:16am
Mar 21 2026 3:16am
