MLB Players Power Rankings: Top 10 Hitters in Week-8
By Manny Gómez
MLB Players Power Rankings (4): Renato Nunez, Baltimore Orioles
Week-8 Stats: 1.040 SLG | 0.600 wOBA | 288 wRC+ | 0.7 fWAR
Much like the 10th ranked Harold Ramirez of the Miami Marlins, Renato Nunez has been somewhat of a shining light for the lowly Baltimore Orioles. Acquired last season after the Texas Rangers designated him for assignment, the O’s quickly swiped him up and stored him in the minors until they could trade Manny Machado away.
Soon after Machado found a new home in Los Angeles, the Orioles inserted Nunez over at third base, and while he’s not Machado, he hasn’t disappointed either… especially this season.
In fact, 73 games with the Rangers and the Orioles, Nunez managed to hit 8 HR while slashing .258/.322/.419. In just 51 games this season, he’s already surpassed his HR total from last season – he has 12 HR – he is also slashing .237/.286/.468.
The Orioles are doing Nunez no favors by making him play first base, especially since he is quite an asset over at third. Last season, Nunez posted a respectable 10.5 UZR/150.
If he can work on getting on base, pair that with his defensive ability and ability to hit for power, the Orioles would have themselves quite the replacement for Manny Machado.