BATTERS: 2017 Week one observations

As we did in this week's Starting Pitchers Buyers Guide, let's take a very early look at some notable week one performances among batters by putting them into a bigger context of the player's preseason outlook. The goal is to help you identify which extreme performances are worth buying into, as well as which you should view with a skeptical eye.

Keep in mind that one-week data samples are tiny, so our focus very early in the season will be to discuss only extreme performances in this space.
 

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Greg Bird (1B, NYY) has not been able to continue his scorching spring into the early part of the season. Not only has he been unproductive (.292 OPS in 16 AB), but he also has struggled to make contact (2/7 BB/K in 16 AB). Given...

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

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
Angel Martinez's electric spring and ability to play multiple positions make him an intriguing early bench stash.
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
Kevin McGonigle's top prospect pedigree has been on full display this spring, including premium batted ball quality and a mature plate approach.
Mar 21 2026 3:15am
Lars Nootbaar's marginal surface stats in 2025 hid some elite batted ball quality, making him a premium end-gamer.
Mar 16 2026 3:10am

Tools