5 MLB hitters who are underperforming based on their advanced metrics

This 116-point gap suggests that he is hitting better than his actual stats show. The expected stats picture is consistent across multiple dimensions, as his xSLG of .418 runs 185 points ahead of his actual slugging of .233. Well-struck balls that typically produce extra-base hits have instead turned into outs.

Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks

The league average hard-hit rate is roughly 40%, barrel rate is roughly 7%, and exit velocity is roughly 88 mph. While Ketel Marte is above average in all three of these metrics, his current production does not align, as he currently sits at a .210/.261/.357 split, one of the worst of his career.

His .228 BABIP and 73-point gap between his xwOBA and his actual wOBA indicate that balls are finding gloves at a dramatically elevated rate. With only three hits in his last 27 ABs, the 2024 Silver Sluggers poor results have continued into May despite strong underlying metrics.

Patrick Bailey, Cleveland Guardians

One of the main reasons for his recent trade to the Cleveland Guardians was his lack of production at the plate. While being a back-to-back gold glove winner behind the plate in his first two full seasons with the Giants, his offensive metrics have not displayed the same star level as his defense, and he is significantly underperforming in 2026.

He is currently hitting at .146/.213/.183 splits, sitting 100 points under his xwOBA and 168 points under his xSLG. While Bailey’s contact quality is not elite, his expected metrics suggest that his offensive production should be better than it currently is.

Bo Naylor, Cleveland Guardians

With the new addition of Patrick Bailey, the Guardians sent catcher Bo Naylor to the minor leagues. Similar to Bailey, Naylor has been completely underperforming at the plate, with a wOBA of .202, which puts him in the bottom 1% of the MLB. However, his advanced metrics suggest that there is potential for upside.

With an xwOBA of .290 and an xSLG of .400, the underlying metrics suggest more offensive upside than his current numbers indicate. Him wanting to get back to MLB from the minors should accelerate his offensive development for the rest of the season.

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