Jake Fraley: The Clutch Outfielder Making a Name for Himself
Jake Fraley may not be a household name, but the 27-year-old outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds has been making waves in the early days of the 2023 season. Despite not being a one-hit wonder, Fraley has already notched an impressive 2.10 Win Probability Added (WPA) for the Reds, making him one of the most valuable players in the sport through the first seven weeks of the season.
The Pinch-Hitting Specialist
One of the reasons for Fraley’s success is his ability to come through in clutch situations. He has six games with more than 0.2 WPA, four games with more than 0.3, and three games with more than 0.4. Fraley is also tied for the league lead in pinch-hitting appearances among qualified batters, and he leads all players in the percentage of his plate appearances that have come as a pinch-hitter. This means he steps to the plate less often in the early innings, when game leverage tends to be lower.
More Than Just a Hitter
Fraley’s contributions to the Reds go beyond his work at the plate. He has also made some impressive defensive plays, including two grabs with a catch probability below 75%, each of which saved the Reds from giving up runs. Fraley also has a strong arm, as evidenced by his perfect outfield assist to nab a runner at third and end an inning.
Overall, Fraley’s timely hitting, sizable splits, and success with the mitt have made him one of the most productive players in baseball this season. While it remains to be seen if he can maintain this level of performance, there’s no denying that Fraley has been a spark plug for the Reds so far.
Keywords: Jake Fraley, Cincinnati Reds, Win Probability Added, clutch hitter, pinch-hitting, outfielder, defensive plays, timely hitting.