Detroit Tigers rookie Kevin McGonigle has taken the lead in hits and OPS after a strong performance, including his first Major League home run. Colt Keith, previously leading in those categories, is having a breakout season with impressive hitting statistics.
Tigers' $31.6 million infielder not named Kevin McGonigle posting 'ludicrous' numbers at plate originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Before yesterday, Detroit Tigers rookie Kevin McGonigle had not led the club in hits or OPS.
After going 3-for-4 with his first Major League home run on Sunday against the Seattle Mariners, he now leads the Tigers with 19 hits and a .920 OPS. Who led the team in those categories before McGonigle?
That would be Colt Keith, who carries an .847 OPS with 18 hits into the upcoming series against the Kansas City Royals. Keith, 24, is enjoying a breakout season after back-to-back years of being just about average or a little better at the plate.
"His hard-hit percentage ranks among the best in the majors, as does his chase rate on pitches out of the strike zone," Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller wrote Monday. "Keith is also hitting breaking balls maybe as well as anyone in baseball, slugging .750 with an xSLG of .960, that is just ludicrous."
Miller highlighted Keith's ability to lay off pitches out of the zone thus far. It's clear he's waiting for his pitch and crushing it when it does come. The 24-year-old is not a huge power hitter, though, connecting for 13 home runs in each of the past two seasons.
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"While we aren't buying him as an MVP candidate or anything just yet, we're ready to buy him as a legitimate heart-of-the-order option for a postseason hopeful," Miller added.
Continued improvement at the plate would be huge for Keith's future role with the Tigers and the club's postseason chances.
Kevin McGonigle currently leads the Tigers with 19 hits and a .920 OPS.
Colt Keith has 18 hits and an .847 OPS, showing strong performance but trailing McGonigle in both categories.
Colt Keith's hard-hit percentage and chase rate are among the best in the majors, and he is slugging .750 on breaking balls.
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