With Spring Training winding down, teams are busy figuring out which hitters and pitchers can turn exhibition flashes into real-season results. Right now, the most telling hitting metrics are plate discipline and exit velocity.
A few players are popping off the stat sheets with elite numbers in those areas. Others? Well, not so much.
This post breaks down the standout performers, the worrying trends, and what it all might mean for rosters and rotations as spring gives way to the regular season.
Spring Training Hitting Indicators: Plate Discipline and Exit Velocity
As the data piles up, two stats keep coming up: plate discipline (chase and walk rates) and exit velocity, especially EV90 (maximum exit velocity). The early numbers highlight a handful of clear leaders and a few red flags that could seriously impact Opening Day decisions.
Jac Caglianone: A Breakout in Exit Velocity and Plate Discipline
Jac Caglianone has grabbed the spotlight with a team-best EV90 of 116.5 MPH, showing off some serious raw power. But it’s not just the big swings—his chase rates and walks suggest a patient approach that could hold up against top-tier pitching.
Caglianone is showing both authority and approach at the plate, and if he keeps this up, he’s got a shot at making a real offensive impact this summer.
Concerns in the Outfield and Infield: Lane Thomas, Isaac Collins, and Michael Massey
On the flip side, a few hitters have spring numbers that raise some eyebrows. Lane Thomas brings a high chase rate despite an EV90 of 104.3, which isn’t ideal.
Isaac Collins has barely made nine plate appearances after offseason PRP injections, with an EV90 of 98.9. That’s not much of a sample, and it leaves some questions about his rehab and readiness.
Michael Massey is chasing too much and striking out more than you’d like, even though he’s drawing some walks and posting a 105 EV90. His defensive versatility might keep him in the mix for a utility spot if the bat doesn’t come around.
India vs Power: India’s Chase Versus Power Dilemma
Jonathan India is showing off an excellent chase rate—a good sign for plate discipline and a possible everyday role. But his power has pretty much disappeared this spring, with his Max EV and EV90 the lowest among regulars at 99.8 and 90.7.
If he can’t balance that lack of pop with on-base skills or run production, his grip on the second-base job might slip.
Starting Pitching Prospects and Rotation Depth
Pitching is another big story. The main question: which arms will lock down MLB-ready rotation spots?
Some pitching groups look a step ahead in development, while others still have things to prove as spring winds down.
Ragans, Ragans, Bubic and Bergert: The MLB-Ready Rotation Core
Among the starters, Seth Ragans—along with Cole Ragans and Ryan Bubic—have led the way in tjStuff+ and posted solid K/BB numbers. They look like strong rotation candidates for Opening Day.
Bergert rounds out this group, giving the depth chart a big-league-ready feel if the call comes early.
Noah Cameron and Other Pitchers to Watch
Noah Cameron came in with a shot at the fifth starter job but stumbled early, showing less velocity and stuff than expected. He did flash better velocity in a later outing, but it’s still a mixed bag.
Whether Cameron can stabilize his velocity and grips will decide if he sticks in the rotation or heads to Triple-A for more work.
Lineup Depth and Roster Constraints
Beyond the big-name prospects, veterans and fringe players are fighting for roster spots. Contract quirks and guarantees limit movement, so it’s not always just about performance.
Josh Rojas, Beck Way and Dennis Colleran Jr.: Depth Pieces at the Crossroads
Josh Rojas keeps swinging well and is tied for fifth in EV90. But guaranteed bench contracts could slow his path to the big club, even if his bat deserves a look.
On the mound, Beck Way brings electric stuff but struggles with command, so he’s still in that “toolsy but needs refinement” bucket. Dennis Colleran Jr. has impressed with a no-walk spring and a nasty sweeper-cutter combo, putting him on track for a possible 2026 debut if he keeps the command in check.
Notable Standouts and Regressions Across the Roster
With spring rolling on, some hitters and pitchers are taking advantage of their chances, while others are facing tough questions that could decide their roles for 2026.
Young Hitters Carrying the Weight: Witt Jr. and Jensen
Bobby Witt Jr. and Carter Jensen have been among the most productive hitters in the lineup. Witt’s EV90 sits above 108, while Jensen’s hovers around 105.8.
Those numbers show these guys might be ready for bigger roles—at least if the spring carries over into the regular season. Vinnie Pasquantino hasn’t started hot, but people still expect him to bounce back after what he showed at the World Baseball Classic.
- Elite EV90 and strong walk rate players: Jac Caglianone, Bobby Witt Jr., Carter Jensen
- Discipline and power gaps: Lane Thomas, Isaac Collins, Jonathan India
- Rotation depth ready candidates: Seth Ragans, Cole Ragans, Ryan Bubic, Bergert
- Depth players facing contract barriers: Josh Rojas, Beck Way, Dennis Colleran Jr.
Here is the source article for this story: Hot or Not: Royals Spring Training Edition
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