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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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DENVER, CO – APRIL 17: Seiya Suzuki #27 of the Chicago Cubs walks to the dugout after striking out against the Colorado Rockies in the ninth inning of a game at Coors Field on April 17, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – APRIL 17: Seiya Suzuki #27 of the Chicago Cubs walks to the dugout after striking out against the Colorado Rockies in the ninth inning of a game at Coors Field on April 17, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Buy or sell? Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki

Many around the game, myself included, were somewhat skeptical about Seiya Suzuki and his first season in Major League Baseball. The longtime superstar in Japan made the jump to the United States after a highly successful run from 2016-2021 as one of Japan’s best players.

Suzuki came over to the U.S. already possessing the tools to succeed in MLB. He has huge power in his bat, has a great eye at the plate and runs the bases very well, not to mention the fact that he is a solid defender (in the corner outfield – while he has experience in center he is best suited for left or right field).

In his first 12 games as a Chicago Cub, Suzuki is off to an incredible start, residing near the top of the league in nearly every offensive category. In 46 plate appearances to this point, Suzuki has four home runs, 11 RBI, 13 BB / 11 SO, and a slash-line of .387/.565/.839 to go along with an incredible 1.404 OPS and 303 OPS+.

While his current pace is not likely to continue, Seiya Suzuki already looks like a steal for the Cubs and should be well on his way to an All-Star Game selection in his rookie season and perhaps a Rookie of the Year Award at year’s end.

Verdict: Buy

KANSAS CITY, MO – SEPTEMBER 18: Andrew Benintendi #16 of the Kansas City Royals runs to first after hitting in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Kauffman Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – SEPTEMBER 18: Andrew Benintendi #16 of the Kansas City Royals runs to first after hitting in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Kauffman Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

Buy or sell? Kansas City Royals outfielder Andrew Benintendi

Now 27-year old Andrew Benintendi always looked like he was right on the cusp of greatness as a member of the Boston Red Sox from 2016-2020. With small glimpses of a Jacoby Ellsbury-like makeup, Benintendi just wasn’t ever able to elevate his game to the next level in Boston.

Since joining the Royals, his offensive numbers have dipped ever-so-slightly  but he was able to win his first career Gold Glove in left field last year while lowering his K% from the previous two seasons.

To begin the season, Benintendi has a home run and four RBI with a .371/.457/.893 slash-line through his first 10 games and 39 plate appearances. While I’d like to see him turn into the next Jacoby Ellsbury, his recent offensive output suggests that a serious regression is likely.

Verdict: Sell

Next. Alex Wood, Matt Strahm and other unexpected pitching stars. dark

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