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MLB: 6 hot starts that can maintain that level of performance

By Michael Cahill

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 21: Seiya Suzuki #27 of the Chicago Cubs looks out pf the dugout during the fifth inning of a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field on April 21, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 21: Seiya Suzuki #27 of the Chicago Cubs looks out pf the dugout during the fifth inning of a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field on April 21, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 19: Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk-off single during the tenth inning of the game against the San Francisco Giants at Citi Field on April 19, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) /

Francisco Lindor

Mr. Smile is grinning from ear to ear after his great start to the season.

Lindor is slashing .304/.403/.589/.992 with four homers and doubles, 11 RBI, and 12 runs scored. His OPS+ is 193. He’s walked more times (nine) than he’s struck out (eight). He’s also stolen three bases, which is easily on pace to beat his 10 total from last season.

His Baseball Savant page is showing mixed results. He’s in the 92nd percentile in strikeout rate, 86th percentile in whiff rate, and 82nd percentile in walk rate, which are all excellent in terms of plate discipline. His average exit velocity (38th percentile), hard hit rate (28th percentile), and barrel rate (43rd percentile) are all low, so we may see a little regression in terms of power numbers, but his xwOBA (74th percentile), xBA (69th percentile), and xSLG (72nd percentile) are good so he will keep hitting.

Andres Munoz

Munoz is another guy who had Tommy John surgery early in his career, but now he’s back and thriving in The Show.

In six relief innings, Munoz has allowed just three hits, two walks, two earned runs, and struck out 11 batters. His ERA is 3.00, his FIP is 2.54, his WHIP is 0.83, and his ERA+ is 123. Munoz has electric stuff, with a fastball that sits 100+ and a sharp slider with downward tilt in the mid-80’s.

If you’re interested in hot starts, this is a Baseball Savant page you’ll want to look at. He’s only got two categories below 74th percentile. His barrel rate is in the 24th percentile and his walk rate is 47th. Other than that, everything is red. He’s in the 99th percentile in whiff rate and strikeout rate, 94th percentile in chase rate, 93rd percentile in xBA, 91st percentile in hard hit rate, 85th percentile in xERA and xwOBA, and 78th percentile in average exit velocity. Simply put, he’s been nasty. He’s going to be a problem at the back of the Seattle Mariners bullpen for a long time.

Next. The 13 pitchers Miguel Cabrera owned in a single at-bat. dark

Those are just a few players who have gotten off to hot starts that can continue performing at that level. Who else do you think can continue their hot starts? Let us know in the comments section below.

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