The ones I have already mentioned are fairly established with a solid baseline for possible projections, but there are works in progress and that means Rafael Devers.
Devers’ 2019 was a breakout season, hitting .311, leading the AL in doubles (54) and total bases (359) while making steady improvement defensively.
Devers is a special hitter – the kind other players stop to watch when he takes batting practice. A left-handed bat will all fields power and a knack for denting the left-field wall. Devers loved Fenway Park in 2019 (.318) but hit on the road (.304) The downside is lefties (.269) still gave Devers trouble.
Devers is a sky’s the limit hitter who should consistently put up power numbers and exceptional run production. The 115 RBI in 2019 may just be a taste for the future – a future that looks bright and should include a yearly run at a batting title. Devers just may eventually be the best of all and that even means Betts. The potential is that great.