Sam Hilliard (OF, COL) - Week 3 Waiver Wire Pickups

4 years ago by Doug Goldring

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ANALYSIS: Sam Hilliard has long been thought of as a threat to post big numbers in both the power and speed categories for Colorado. It's simply been a question of when he would deliver on that potential. The Rockies have been particularly maddening in their handling of young players, seeming to consistently opt not to give their prospects the opportunity to play. True to form, Chris Owings has gotten the nod over Hilliard for much of the first week of the season. With Owings on the injured list, the Rockies basically have no choice but to let Hilliard step up.

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Now in his Age-27 season, the last time Hilliard got significant playing time was in Triple-A during the 2019 season. Hilliard slashed .262/.335/.588 with 35 homers and 22 steals. In a short stint with the major league club at the end of that season, Hilliard's slash line only improved over 87 plate appearances, and he added seven home runs and 2 steals to finish out his year.

In just 19 at-bats in 2021, Hilliard has already slugged two home runs, and carried a slugging percentage of .647. A .176 batting average leaves something to be desired, but Hilliard's .111 BABIP indicates he's been considerably unlucky, despite his dismal 31.6 percent strikeout rate. Hilliard will always have a high swing and miss rate, but he'll also take his walks, steal bases, and do damage when he makes contact. Grab him now, while his limited action in the early going still obscures his value.

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