The versatility of Jose Miranda: A sneaky baseball player to watch

KANSAS CITY, MO - APRIL 02: Jose Miranda #64 of the Minnesota Twins throws a Kansas City Royals runner out at first during the fifth inning at Kauffman Stadium on April 2, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - APRIL 02: Jose Miranda #64 of the Minnesota Twins throws a Kansas City Royals runner out at first during the fifth inning at Kauffman Stadium on April 2, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images)

Jose Miranda is a young baseball player who has been turning heads with his sneaky and impressive performance on the field. The Minnesota Twins selected Miranda in the second round of the 2016 Major League Baseball draft, and he has been playing within the team’s system ever since.

Miranda’s 2022 season was his rookie and breakout year in the majors, where he proved a valuable asset for the Twins. While his basic statistics are impressive, his advanced batting statistics reveal how sneaky he is.

First and foremost, Jose Miranda’s batting average on balls in play (BABIP) was .312, significantly higher than the league average of .296.

This indicates that, based on luck alone, Miranda could get hits more frequently than expected. Additionally, his isolated power (ISO) of .158 is well above the league average of .145, meaning he could hit extra bases at a higher rate than most players.

Furthermore, Miranda’s strikeout rate of 18.8 percent was well below the league average of 23.8 percent, indicating that he could put the ball in play more frequently than most players. He also had a walk rate of 5.8 percent, which is slightly below the league average of 8.5%.

Miranda’s performance with runners in scoring position (RISP) was awe-inspiring. He hit .310 with a .404 on-base percentage and a .527 slugging percentage, driving 55 runs in 105 plate appearances. This ability to come through in clutch situations is crucial for any baseball player, and Miranda showed that he has what it takes to perform under pressure.

Another aspect of Miranda’s game that stands out is his ability to hit breaking pitches. He hit .311 with a .545 slugging percentage against breaking balls, compared to a .237 batting average and a .361 slugging percentage against fastballs. This shows that he could adjust to different types of pitches and make the necessary adjustments to succeed.

Miranda’s defensive versatility also adds to his value as a player. He played primarily at third base in 2022 but also saw time at first base, second base, and outfield. This ability to play multiple positions makes him a valuable asset for the Twins, as he can fill in wherever needed.

Jose Miranda’s fielding abilities have been an asset for the Minnesota Twins, as he has shown great versatility and skill at multiple positions. In the 2022 season, Miranda played primarily at third base but also saw time at second base, shortstop, and in the outfield. Despite not having a permanent position, he could play each position at a high level.

At third base, Miranda had a fielding percentage of .951 and a range factor per nine innings (RF/9) of 2.13, indicating that he made fewer errors and more putouts than the league average. Additionally, he showed good arm strength and accuracy, making several impressive throws across the diamond to record outs.

Finally, Miranda showed good range and athleticism when playing in the outfield, tracking down fly balls and making several impressive catches. In addition, he had a fielding percentage of 1.000 and a range factor per nine innings of 2.60, indicating that he was a reliable fielder in the outfield.

It will be interesting to see where he settles defensively as he develops as a player. Still, his ability to play multiple positions will undoubtedly make him a valuable asset for years to come.

Jose Miranda’s sneaky abilities on the field were reflected in his impressive performance in the 2022 season for the Minnesota Twins. His advanced batting statistics demonstrate his ability to get hits at a higher rate than most players, while his clutch hitting with runners in scoring position, his ability to hit breaking pitches, and his defensive versatility also add value. With his skills and potential, Miranda looks poised to continue making a name for himself in the majors.