One of the best parts about fantasy baseball is watching the action unfold on the field. However, there’s more to it than just the results on the field. While our success in fantasy baseball is measured by just a few statistics, there are a great deal of data points behind them. Evaluating players and their performance is based on more than just one variable. But combined, it all comes together. Under that guise, let’s take a look at three players and how we can view them based on their early-season performances.
Fantasy Baseball Advanced Hitting Stats
Cal Raleigh is Legit
At this point, it’s no longer good enough to say that Cal Raleigh is one of the best catchers in the game. While he was drafted as a borderline top-5 catcher, Raleigh is well on his way to finishing in the top spot at the position. Based on what we’ve seen from him in the first two months of the season, Raleigh is aiming higher than that. At this point, he’s simply one of the best hitters in the game.
With 30 and 34 home runs in the past two seasons, Raleigh was already at the top of the list when it came to power. From a batting average perspective, he struggled, hitting .232 and .220, but it’s hard to argue with the home runs and his 100 RBI last year. This year, that part of his game has seen some improvement as Raleigh is hitting .264 with a .254 xBA.
But at what point will he stop after he sets a career high in home runs? Through 58 games, Raleigh is already at 23 home runs to go along with 45 RBI. If you want a little bonus, he also has six stolen bases. The good news, though, is that the Statcast metrics back up this level of success. Raleigh has an insane .373 ISO along with an equally impressive 24.3% barrel rate and 50% hard hit rate. With production like that, Raleigh plays regardless of position. Is 45 home runs an unreasonable expectation?
What Wood Happen if He Launched the Ball?
After a solid major league debut in 2024, it shouldn’t be surprising that James Wood would be taking the next step. The outfielder was a top prospect and has a plethora of talent and upside. That has been on display so far in 2025, but I would argue that there’s even more upside out there for the outfielder.
Wood has 16 home runs through 59 games with 44 RBI and 38 runs scored to go along with nine stolen bases. While the strikeouts, 27.1%, are an issue, Wood does have a 13.7% walk rate as he finds a way to get on base. When you combine that with a .286 batting average, his OBP is an asset. With a .275 xBA, he’s also given credence to maintaining a solid average.
Let’s be real though, it’s the explosive things that Wood does at the plate that stand out. The outfielder has a 19% barrel rate along with a 58.2% hard hit rate. If only Wood could improve on his 5.1-degree average launch angle. Everything says that Wood will continue on the path he’s been on for the rest of the season. But wouldn’t the path to statistical success be a lot easier if he got the ball in the air more? When Wood figures that out, the sky really could be the limit for him. All of the pieces are there for it.
Beck Has Some Tools
Throughout his minor league career, the talent and potential upside were on display for Jordan Beck. We also know the track record of the Colorado Rockies when it comes to giving young players a chance. With Beck, Colorado really hasn’t had the ability to throttle his usage down.
Strikeouts are also going to be of concern, but Beck is hitting .250 on the season. With a .321 BaBIP and a .247 xBA entering action on Monday, that does seem reasonable. When Beck is generating power and stealing bases, it’s hard to find disagreement. With eight home runs and seven stolen bases, that has held true. Considering Beck does play for the Rockies, it’s understandable, but both runs (28) and RBI (16) are hard to come by.
When searching for sustained success, aside from the fact that half of Beck’s games do come at Coors Field, his Statcast performance backs that up. With a 15.1% barrel rate, Beck is making strong contact, and that should support his continued success. Just maintain reasonable expectations for runs and RBI.
