BATTERS: Early bench targets, 2023

As is the case with starting pitchers, owners often overvalue Opening Day starting lineups, so hitters who start the season on the bench often can be rostered at a nice discount. Especially those with hidden or emerging skills, since they are likely to carve out a full-time role once an opportunity arises.

Here are a bunch of MLB bench bats and overlooked hitters in the high-minors whose value could increase as the 2023 season moves along.
 

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Will Brennan (LF, CLE) became a prospect in 2022 after showing some power in his bat, which added to his high-contact approach. Brennan made contact at an elite level with CLE (90% ct% in 45 PA). That gives him .300 BA potential if he can take his batted ball quality to another...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From Batters

Lars Nootbaar's marginal surface stats in 2025 hid some elite batted ball quality, making him a premium end-gamer.
Mar 16 2026 3:10am
Pete Crow-Armstrong's marginal batted ball quality, shaky plate skills, and extreme level of chase make him a risky bet to maintain his 2025 value.
Mar 9 2026 3:05am
Ben Rice's massive gains in exit velocity and against southpaws in 2025 make him a premium breakout target.
Mar 2 2026 3:05am
Anthony Volpe's reduction in chase and gains in batted ball quality give him premium LIMA batter appeal in 2026 drafts given his modest market price.
Feb 23 2026 3:05am
Colt Keith's improved batted ball quality late in 2025 gives him intriguing appeal as a player to watch this spring.
Feb 16 2026 3:05am

Tools