Cole Young is making a significant impact with the Seattle Mariners just 35 games into his MLB career, displaying the potential for an exciting second half of the season. The rookie boasts a slash line of .254/.305/.347, accompanied by 13 runs scored, 11 RBIs, five doubles, and two home runs. While his OPS+ stands at 92, indicating below-average offensive production, his strong defensive skills at second base have earned him a bWAR of 0.8.
Young’s trajectory suggests the possibility of a breakout performance down the line. He currently averages 3.6 bWAR over a 162-game span, even with less-than-stellar offensive numbers. If he can elevate his output by just 5 to 10 percent above the league average, he may transform into a consistent 5-WAR player in the future.
Recent trends show promise for Young’s development. Since June 7, he has achieved a .747 OPS over 29 games, further improving to .838 OPS in the subsequent 12 games since June 29. Remarkably, in the five games leading up to the All-Star break, he posted an impressive OPS of 1.254. This recent surge includes a notable home run hit at an exit velocity of 110.2 mph, showcasing his power potential.
Young’s gradual development is crucial as he has shown resilience even after a rough 1-for-20 start to the season. With continued improvement week by week, Mariners fans could see Young elevate his hitting stats to around .275 with a slugging percentage of .400 by the season’s end, making him an integral part of the team’s lineup.
It’s essential for supporters to recognize that regression is part of a player’s journey. Baseball is filled with fluctuations, and Young’s ability to adapt will be key. Already, he has shown that he can rebound from adversity, which bodes well for his future with the Mariners. The overall outlook is hopeful, as Young continues to carve out his role and solidify his reputation in Major League Baseball.