Chicago White Sox: Nick Madrigal in for rude awakening
By David Hill
At least no one will ever accuse Chicago White Sox prospect Nick Madrigal of not having any confidence in his abilities. He is convinced that he will do something that only 32 other players in major league history have done – join the 3000 hit club.
While Madrigal concedes that joining the 3000 hit club is difficult, that does not change his expectations of himself. He feels that his goal is “very reachable” despite the odds seemingly being against him.
White Sox rookie Nick Madrigal in for a rude awakening
The odds certainly are not on his side. A grand total of 19,902 players have appeared in the majors. Of that number, just 0.16% of those players have joined that club. That mark slips a bit lower depending on how one views Cap Anson and his time in the National Association. He had 423 hits in the NA, but some do not regard that as an actual major league. And, in 1887, walks were somehow counted as hits, continuing Anson’s potential descent.
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It is also fair to look at Madrigal’s career to this point. He has all of 35 hits in 109 major league plate appearances. While his .340/.376/.369 batting line was solid, statistics from the abbreviated 2020 campaign have to be regarded with a degree of caution.
There are points in Madrigal’s favor. He had a swinging strike rate of just 3.3% last season, which shows that his elite contact skills can translate from the minors. His hit tool is considered to be elite as well, even if he has the power of a dead battery. Nonetheless, those skills with the bat, coupled with his excellent defense, give Madrigal the potential to be a star.
Even if Madrigal pans out, getting to 3000 hits would take a lot of luck. One or two injury plagued seasons could derail his chances. As he will be 24 years old to start 2021, he would need just over 185 hits over the next 16 years to reach that mark. Based on the odds, Madrigal will not get there.
Next. White Sox Mount Rushmore. dark
Chicago White Sox rookie Nick Madrigal feels he can get to the 3000 hit mark. Chances are, he is in for a rude awakening.