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MLB Buy or Sell: What to make of hot starts around the league

By Eric Treuden

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 28: Josh Bell #19 of the Washington Nationals looks on before the game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on September 28, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. The Rockies defeated the Nationals 3-1. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 28: Josh Bell #19 of the Washington Nationals looks on before the game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on September 28, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. The Rockies defeated the Nationals 3-1. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – APRIL 17: Jesus Sanchez #7 of the Miami Marlins singles against the Philadelphia Phillies in the fourth inning at loanDepot park on April 17, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Kelly Gavin/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – APRIL 17: Jesus Sanchez #7 of the Miami Marlins singles against the Philadelphia Phillies in the fourth inning at loanDepot park on April 17, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Kelly Gavin/Getty Images) /

Buy or sell? Miami Marlins outfielder Jesus Sanchez

Acquired in 2019 from the Tampa Bay Rays in the Nick Anderson/Trevor Richards deal, outfielder Jesus Sanchez is off to a red-hot start for the club to begin the 2022 season.

Sanchez, 24, swings it from the left side and has put up above-average performances throughout his minor league career. He received a brief showing in the big leagues in 2020 but struggled mightily, leading to most of his 2021 season being spent in the minors.

Now functioning as the club’s every day centerfielder, Sanchez needs to cut down on the strikeouts if he is to be taken seriously, as he has struck out 10 times and walked just once in 44 plate appearances. To begin the season, he has two triples and two home runs to go along with 8 RBI and a .333/.364/.595 slash-line. His minor league numbers show that there is definitely some pop in the bat and the Marlins are undoubtedly hoping that they’ve unlocked some of that potential.

Due to Sanchez’s small sample size of success and a larger amount of negative results in the majors, he seems likelier to regress than to stay at this high-functioning level he’s shown in 2022.

Verdict: Sell

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 17: Owen Miller #6 of the Cleveland Indians at bat against the New York Yankees during the second inning at Yankee Stadium on September 17, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 17: Owen Miller #6 of the Cleveland Indians at bat against the New York Yankees during the second inning at Yankee Stadium on September 17, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /

Buy or sell? Cleveland Guardians infielder/outfielder Owen Miler

Speaking of small sample sizes, Cleveland Guardians utilityman Owen Miller most likely falls into the same category as Jesus Sanchez. Miller, 25, received a 60-game 200 plate appearance showing last year and struggled mightily, striking out at a 27% rate while drawing a walk in just 4.5% of his plate appearances.

On defense, Miller is very versatile and possesses the ability to play all four infield positions and even some corner outfield, giving the Guardians a highly-valuable piece in their everyday lineup.

To begin the season, Miller has been red-hot at the plate through his first 9 games and 33 plate appearances, with seven doubles and RBI plus a slash-line of .500/.545/.964. His minor league track record is very strong, as he owns a .305 career minor league batting average and has been showing double-digit home run potential in recent years.

While Owen Miller does not jump off the page as a superstar-level player, his lengthy minor league track record suggests that with ample playing time there may be something there for the Guardians faithful to latch on to. He is currently on the 10-day IL but figures to come back and slot right back in at second base.

Verdict: Buy

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