I thought it would be a fun exercise to make some predictions for which Storm Chasers will lead the team in a few major statistical categories this season. At the end of the season, we will look back and compare my predictions to what actually unfolded. We will take a look at three hitting categories and three pitching categories. If I can even get three out of six correct, I will take it as a win!
Home Runs
My pick: CJ Alexander
Prediction: 22 HR
Alexander is known for his power profile. Though he has not put up Pratto or Melendez home run numbers at the Triple-A level, he has consistently hit for power. Between the Braves’ Double-A affiliate and NW Arkansas in 2022, he hit 25 total home runs. That is the most in a single season for any Omaha player that I expect to be on the roster for most of the year. Last season, he regressed slightly to 17 home runs, but I predict that number to increase this season. I considered putting Devin Mann in this spot since he has consistently hit 15+ home runs most seasons, but his peak has only been 20 in a single season, which gives the nod to Alexander.
Bold prediction: Nate Eaton
Batting Average
*Must have at least 100 at-bats
My pick: Tucker Bradley
Prediction: .285 avg
Bradley has been the model for hitting consistency no matter the level of competition. In his three minor league seasons, he holds a career .286 avg. I expect him to continue that trend in 2024. He is currently on the development list but should find his way back to Omaha soon. Most of the players who held a higher batting average than Bradley last season are now in Kansas City, on another team, or will likely be in Kansas City soon.
Bold prediction: Peyton Wilson
Stolen Bases
My pick: Tyler Tolbert
Prediction: 45 SB
Is there any other possible answer than the man who has stolen over 50 bases in three consecutive years? This seems like the most slam dunk pick that could be made. Now, I do expect a slight regression for Tolbert in his first season at the Triple-A level, as he has already gotten off to a slow start in his first five games. However, he should easily clear the field even if he has a below-average season.
Bold prediction: Tyler Gentry
Earned Run Average
*Must have at least 30 IP
My pick: Walter Pennington
Prediction: 2.95 ERA
Honestly, at this rate, he may not compile 30 IP in Omaha. The Royals seem in need of bullpen help at the moment, and Pennington may be one of the first to get the call. It would not be surprising, given his 2023 performance in which he compiled a 3.18 ERA while spending nearly all of that time in Omaha. He followed that up with an incredibly impressive spring training with the big-league club, posting a 1.23 ERA in 7.1 IP. After struggling in NW Arkansas in 2022, things seem to be trending up for the *almost* 26-year-old lefty reliever.
Bold prediction: Kris Bubic
Innings Pitched
My pick: Andrew Hoffmann
Prediction: 130 IP
In my prospect profile article over Hoffmann a couple of weeks ago, I mentioned the starting pitching logjam between Kansas City and Omaha which may force Hoffmann to remain in Omaha for the entirety of the season. I think there is a real possibility that he is the only starter to spend their entire season in Omaha. I do not think this is necessarily a bad thing, as it will provide plenty of quality experience for a pitcher who just turned 24 in February. His slider has grown into a plus pitch for him, and a full year in Omaha provides the opportunity to harness it to its full potential before showing it off in Kansas City. Last year, he threw 125.1 innings between NW Arkansas and Omaha.
Bold prediction: Chandler Champlain
K/9
My pick: Will Klein
Prediction: 15.20 K/9
A case could be made to have John McMillon in this spot but given his lingering injury concerns combined with how good Klein has looked so far, I am giving the edge to Will Klein. He has averaged a 13.62 K/9 rate for his minor league career, which peaked at 15.48 back in 2021. I am banking on growth this season and have been encouraged to see Klein’s solid spring training with the big-league club and a good start to the regular season. Hopefully, his 15.40 K/9 from spring training will bleed over into the season.
Bold prediction: Steven Cruz
Image credit: Steph Chambers/GettyImages
