Lineups Outlook: New lead-off hitters for the Athletics, Yankees, and Orioles
May 16 2025
It’s not by design, but there has been continued movement across the lineup landscape at the lead-off position. Based on in-season results, managers seem more aggressive in placing players at the top of the batting order. With this in mind, three new hitters are taking over at the top of the lineup.
Jacob Wilson has hit first in his last six starts and during ten games this season. His rise has coincided with Lawrence Butler's decline to fifth or lower.
Wilson has been as advertised, or better. He arrived last year with an advanced ability to make contact, and it’s clicked this season. He has produced a robust 94 ct% with a .318 xBA, fueling his hot start and rise to the top of the batting order.
It’s a small sample...
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
Royce Lewis looks like an elite bat in stretches, including during the heater he's been on since returning from the minors.
Aug 10 2026 3:07am
Aug 10 2026 3:07am
Lawrence Butler may be reclaiming the leadoff spot for the A's, and other hitters are benefiting from moving up in the batting order.
Aug 7 2026 3:06am
Aug 7 2026 3:06am
Andruw Monasterio's excellent stats and skills from July suggest he's got the goods to take on a more prominent role in the Red Sox lineup.
Aug 3 2026 3:05am
Aug 3 2026 3:05am
Heriberto Hernandez's bat has gone on a significant surge since June 1 due to significant growth in his batted ball quality.
Jul 27 2026 3:15am
Jul 27 2026 3:15am
Miguel Vargas has had star level progress at the plate in 2026, and Jacob Young has sneaky upside as a fantasy contributor.
Jul 24 2026 3:07am
Jul 24 2026 3:07am
