These hitters are hitting the ball hard, so far.
Munetaka Murakami CHW
Extremely early returns on the first-year, not really a "rookie" MLB slugger say he does hit the ball hard: 21.2% Barrel Rate and 57.6 Hard Hit Rate through 70 PAs. Backed by a selective 20% Chase rate and 21% BB Rate that's countered by an extreme 39% Whiff rate and we've got a throwback 3 True Outcome guy in the early going. Murakami could very well be as advertised, and if you can handle the Ks and a BA that lingers around .200, lock and load with the South Side slugger.
Sal Stewart CIN
Appropriate for his team name and uniform color, Sal Stewart's Rookie season Statcast is Red as red can be. Wednesday saw the hottest hitter around go 2-for-4 with two home runs and six RBI over the Giants. A terrific 21% Barrel Rate and 51% Hard Hit Rate points an encouraging initial 70 plus PAs for 2026. Stewart has also swiped 3 bases, which adds to his multicategory appeal. The K rate climbs to a wince-worthy 16% but is balanced by his helpful 18% BB Rate, landing Stewart in the Murakami camp of 3 True Outcomes. The difference here is that Stewart is impacting the ball more frequently, leading to a sparkling .310 BA and eye-popping .400 OBP. Sell high? Buy high? It's tough to say, but either way his value may be peaking...
Chase DeLauter CLE
Speaking of peak value, DeLauter has been an absolute delight through 67 PAs, striking the ball with authority including 18% Barrel Rate and 44% Sweet Sport Rate, leading to 5 dingers in the early going. Near-elite Chase Rate (22%) and 18% BB Rate provide a solid foundation for the unlocking power for the top 100 prospect. The lefty has launched four of his five HR to the pull side, indicating that his power is not just natural but intentional. His expected stats point to sustainability, so don't chase Chase off your roster if he cools down for a week or two, as the good results should be real.
Luke Raley 1B/OF SEA
The platoon specialist lefty has been launching off predominately RHP in the early going through 60 PAs, with elite 50% Sweet Spot level and 19% Barrel Rate. He rocked pitching again on Wednesday night, going 4-for-5 with a two-run home run, a double. He will likely sit versus LHP, but in leagues where you can afford an extra OF or play 5 OFs every night, Raley can be a great boost of power and BA. The Lake Erie College may not be a Great, but he's quite good when he plays, if you can make room for Luke, use the force.
Spencer Steer 1B/OF CIN
Steer towards Spencer? It depends. The Barrel Rate through his initial 60 PA is a hefty 18% but most of the underlying numbers say steer clear of Steer: A 27% K Rate along with his 5% BB Rate means his selectivity is suspect and his swing and miss is hefty...there are no SBs thus far and despite the Barrel Rate, Steer has swatted just 10 base hits, 30% of which are homers. Intriguing contrasts for the Red make him difficult to drop and difficult to start. If you have room on the bench, hold on to Spencer and see where this season takes the oft-injured Red leg.
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