TRAITS TO TARGET

Batted-ball metrics help identify dynasty prospects on the rise

- by GEOFF PONTES

Batted-ball data allows us to analyze minor league hitting performances that don't always show up with surface statistics. Taking a deeper look at key underlying metrics allows us to identify strengths, weaknesses and outliers. These high performers tend to produce at each new level.\

Here, we identify five prospects who have trustworthy batted-ball traits, such as 90th percentile exit velocity, hard-hit percentage and air-pull percentage. Add these young hitters to your target lists in dynasty leagues.

Last year, this exercise highlighted young hitters ready to take a giant leap forward, including Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle, Dodgers outfielder Josue De Paula and Brewers shortstop Jesus Made.

EDWARD FLORENTINO, OF, PIRATES