The 28-year-old catcher has quietly been mashing for a number of seasons, although, reaching the 30-homer plateau the final two years along with a 27-homer marketing campaign in 2022.
In different phrases? It is time to experience the Cal Raleigh hype prepare when you’re not already.
2. SS Jacob Wilson, Athletics
Wilson can flat out hit, as he sports activities a .354/.354/.500 triple slash and an .854 OPS over his first 21 video games this season.
The 23-year-old would not have a lot pop in his bat (simply two homers to date), however his bat-to-ball expertise are elite and his protection is strong, which helps clarify why he is already price near a win above substitute in such a small pattern.
Total, Wilson is a contact machine who seems primed for a giant season hitting throughout the pleasant confines of Sacramento.
3. 1B Ben Rice, New York Yankees
Rice has persistently delivered exhausting contact over his first 20 video games of the season, and it is paying off within the type of 5 residence runs and a .988 OPS to date.
The Yankees wanted somebody to step up after dropping famous person Juan Soto in free company, and whereas that participant was purported to be outfielder Jasson Dominguez (who has largely struggled to start 2025), New York will fortunately let Rice tackle the necessary job of serving as lineup safety round Aaron Choose.
Rice additionally has positional flexibility, which is able to assist him obtain endurance on the massive league stage. Along with being the Yankees’ main designated hitter, the 26-year-old may also play first base and catch behind the plate.
4. 1B Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers
A former No. 1 total draft choice in 2020, Spencer Torkelson’s path to big-league success has been extraordinarily turbulent.
Exterior of a 31-homer marketing campaign with the Tigers in 2023, “Tork” has largely struggled on the dish since debuting with Detroit, with a profession .712 OPS and simply 56 complete lengthy balls.
This yr may be the one which clicks for the 25-year-old, although, as he is already sporting a strong 1.011 OPS with seven residence runs by his first 23 video games of 2025.
If Torkelson’s break-out continues, the Tigers can be fairly happy.
5. OF Jung Hoo Lee, San Francisco Giants
Would you imagine it if we stated Lee was fifth in all of MLB in wins above replacement (1.4 fWAR)? Nicely, 22 video games into the season, he is simply that.
Lee, who signed with the Giants final season after spending six years enjoying professionally in Korea, succumbed to shoulder surgical procedure simply 37 video games into his rookie marketing campaign in San Francisco.
Nevertheless, the 26-year-old is benefiting from his return to sport motion this season, with a .329 batting common and a .983 OPS, each of which lead the newly resurgent Giants.
