George Springer Joins 30-30 Club

Springer Joins Minor League 30-30 Club

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The number thirty is pretty popular in minor league baseball this week, as on the same day the High Desert Mavericks scored 30 runs and recorded 30 hits, Astros prospect George Springer hit his 30th homer this season, propelling him into the exclusive minor league 30-30 club. Springer is the first player since 2009 to blast 30 homers and swipe 30 bags in the minors. He has been one of the most impressive batting prospects in the minors this season, as he demolished Double A pitching for 73 games, hitting .297 with 19 homers and 23 stolen bases. His performance earned him a call-up, and he didn’t disappoint. In 40 games of Triple A so far, Springer has posted an absurd 1.065 OPS, with 11 homers and 15 steals. Springer came into the season as a well-known prospect, but wasn’t in the ranks of the elite prospects, mainly due to concerns about his strikeouts, which cautioned many scouts about his ability to hit advanced level pitching. While Springer has struck out 142 times thus far on the year, he is also hitting for a high batting average and great power. Springer is looking like he could be the rare player who hits for a good average even with a high strikeout rate. One thing that may be helping Springer this year is improved plate vision. His walk rate is up, as he has walked at a 3% higher rate this year compared to last year. The walk rate doesn’t tell the whole story though, as improved plate vision can help hitters work into more hitters counts, which can lead to more favorable pitches for the hitter. There have been many successful batters in MLB history who have struck out at very high rates, but have been very successful hitters. Sammy Sosa is likely the most well known name on the list. Sosa led the majors in strikeouts three times during his career, but as we all know, was one of the most feared hitters of his time. While Sosa has had allegations of PED use, along with the corked bat incident, he had undeniable talent, and put up great numbers despite the K’s. Sosa isn’t the perfect comparison for Springer, but Sosa’s stat lines show that it is possible for players with high strikeout rates to succeed in the majors. There is no way for us to know if Springer will translate his success to the MLB, as many prospects who dominate minor league pitching can’t seem to make the transition, while others can make the challenge appear effortless. It does look like he is ready for a major league trial, and a September call up wouldn’t be surprising at all. Springer has the potential to be a near .300 hitter who is perennially close to or at 30/30. The chances it happens? Well, we will just have to wait and see.