How will Blaze Jordan's weight loss improve his game?
Blaze Jordan is going on a weight loss journey this offseason. It's something we've talked to him about in the past. The Red Sox prospect has been a source of nonstop offensive production since being drafted. What will the weight loss do for his game?
Jordan has mashed since he first joined the organization. The right-handed hitter slashed .296/.350/.481 with 32 doubles, one triple, and 18 home runs between High-A and Double-A in 2023. He drove in 86 runs, scored 67 runs, and stole two bases in 122 games. He only drew 40 walks in 525 plate appearances (7.6%) but also struck out just 75 times (14.3%).
The low strikeout rate is impressive for anyone. Considering Jordan is a young power hitter in Double-A, it's impossible not to see that as a massive positive.
Despite putting up fantastic numbers as a 20-year-old in High-A and Double-A, Jordan doesn't get much recognition. However, fans have started to talk about him more recently, and Jordan is working hard to improve.
The corner infielder has been working on losing weight. He finished the season at 226 pounds. As of Dec. 30, Jordan's down to 204 pounds.
What will this mean for him in 2024? Now 21, he'll start the year in Double-A. Jordan will enter the season with 49 games at the level already under his belt. He's shown good contact abilities and plenty of power. His defense at first base is severely underrated, and his arm is perfect for third base.
We've already seen a great version of Jordan. Now over 20 pounds lighter and potentially in the best shape of his life, how does he improve?
Does he start legging out more extra-base hits? Will this help his footwork on defense? Could it improve his swing? It's hard to imagine getting in better shape won't make him a better player. So, what will we see from the Red Sox prospect in 2024?