JJ Bleday

Prior to the 2024 campaign, Bleday's performance both at the major- and minor-league levels never really matched up to the pedigree of a No. 4 overall pick. He made some real strides last year, however, in his first full major-league season. Bleday continued to sport a robust walk rate at 10.4 percent and also cut his strikeout rate down to 19.5 percent. Additionally, the left-handed batter also greatly improved versus southpaws, seeing his OPS go from .482 to a respectable .714. It eliminated the need for a platoon mate in center field, as Bleday accrued 642 plate appearances and typically batted second or third against both righties and lefties. Bleday's batted-ball metrics were pedestrian and he has shown no inkling to steal bases, so it's not an overly exciting profile, even with the improvements. The 27-year-old should be a solid accumulator again, however, and might get a little boost in leaving Oakland Coliseum. Read Past Outlooks