MLB Players Power Rankings: Top 10 Hitters in Week-16
By Manny Gómez
MLB Players Power Rankings (4): Keston Hiura, Milwaukee Brewers
Week-16 Stats: 0.966 SLG | 0.607 wOBA | 282 wRC+ | 0.8 fWAR
Milwaukee Brewers rookie Keston Hiura is known for his natural ability to hit for contact. Prior to being called up, he played in 57 games in AAA this season. There, he slashed .329 / .407 / .681 and hit an astounding 19 home runs.
In the Majors, Hiura hasn’t really slowed down much. In fact, currently this season Hiura is slashing .331 / .387 / .613 and has 9 home runs in 37 games.
Prior to this season, Hiura wasn’t really regarded for his ability to hit for power. Actually, in 2017 and 2018 combined, in the minors, Hiura only managed to hit 17 home runs.
This level of production could not have come at a better time for the Brew Crew. Having had a desperate need for a second baseman, Hiura fits right into the mix. What’s more, his ability to hit paired with the rise of Christian Yelich makes the Brewers a serious offensive threat in MLB.
This season, Hiura is making a serious case for NL Rookie of the Year. While he’s not hitting for power like Pete Alonso, Hiura does have a better AVG, OBP, SLG, wOBA, and wRC+ than Alonso. The only thing keeping him from the conversation is that Alonso has played significantly more than Hiura has.
No matter who wins it, the future looks bright for MLB.