MLBPipeline.com is going through a series where lead writers Jonathan Mayo and Jim Callis are predicting who will lead the minor leagues in various categories in the upcoming season. Earlier this morning the series predicted who would take on the batting title in the minor leagues.
Jim Callis took Astros top prospect Carlos Correa as his pick. Mayo went a different route and selected Reds outfield prospect Jesse Winker as his pick, noting how impressive he was in the Arizona Fall League after the regular season as over before ending the article with this:
The only thing that could keep Winker from really competing for a batting title is if he hits so well the Reds decide that he’s needed in Cincinnati in the second half. But I think a much more likely scenario is Winker raking all year in the Minors, across Double-A and Triple-A, and then perhaps getting a September callup.
The odds that Winker leads the minor leagues in average isn’t good. There are just too many guys out there and Winker isn’t going to be playing in hitting friendly environments like guys running through the California or Pacific Coast Leagues will be. I’d wager that someone over 25-years-old will take the batting title in the minors by beating up the Pacific Coast League next year, but I’d also wager that Winker goes out and hits .300+ in the 2015 season. His combination of plate discipline, which leads to better pitches to hit, contact ability and power tend to lead to a high average in most cases.