Toronto Blue Jays: Ryan Noda and his incredible batting eye
By David Hill
Some players can fly under the radar, especially if they do not have a specific tool that stands out. In the case of Toronto Blue Jays minor leaguer Ryan Noda, he has one incredible tool that is worth paying attention to.
It is easy to overlook Toronto Blue Jays minor league first baseman/outfielder Ryan Noda. A 15th round draft choice last season, Noda did not have a stellar collegiate career, posting a .239/.370/.430 batting line over three seasons. He did not possess any truly exciting tools, and had a tendency to swing and miss too often.
Since becoming a professional, those thoughts have remained largely in place. He had a stellar 2017 campaign, hitting seven homers and 18 doubles, but that level of power had never been seen from Noda previously. Thus far in 2018, that pop from his bat has disappeared, as he has just three extra base hits in 60 plate appearances.
And yet, there is something about Noda that catches the eye. Thus far, he has produced an interesting .222/.533/.306 batting line. No, that on base percentage is not a typo – in his 60 plate appearances, he has drawn an amazing 22 walks. That patience at the plate has not led to watching many called third strikes either, as Noda has only struck out 10 times this season.
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This extreme patience is not new for Noda this season. Last year, in his 276 plate appearances, he drew 59 walks. However, he also struck out 60 times, becoming too passive at times. That time on base has been fruitful, as Noda has scored 74 runs and stolen 14 bases. This season, those walks have helped the Blue Jays minor leaguer to the statistical quirk of having scored more runs (12) than he has hits (8).
It does make one wonder exactly how far Noda can move up the Blue Jays ladder. As noted by our own Ben Chase, he has a very line drive oriented approach, limiting his future power potential. At best, he could be a doubles hitter, using his decent speed and hitting the ball into gaps. Considering his ability to wait out a pitcher, Noda could put himself in advantageous counts enough times to maximize what power he has.
It could be that Noda’s ceiling is limited. He is already old for his level this season, playing for the Lansing Lugnuts of the Midwest League. As a corner outfielder/first baseman, his general lack of power will be considered a hindrance. However, his ability to draw walks and get on base, along with his solid speed and line drive ability, could push Noda further than one would expect.
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Ryan Noda has been an on base machine thus far in his career for the Toronto Blue Jays. His ability to draw a walk is special, and may help him advance through the minors.