When the Toronto Blue Jays initially traded Kevin Gausman to Chicago for a package of prospects Brett Bateman and Ty Southisene, the consensus was that the return was rather underwhelming. However, that consensus has changed rather quickly thanks to the play of one of those acquired from the Cubs.
Bateman has immediately been a spark plug at the plate, on the bases, and in the outfield for Toronto, earning himself a role as the team’s leadoff hitter. The rookie’s play has been impressive, to say the least, and it has led former MLB player and current analyst Caleb Joseph to compare him to two-time All-Star Steven Kwan.
“He is in the top of the order for a reason for manager John Schneider. I just love what he brings in terms of his skill ability the contact ability, the fast nature of his speed, his ability to prolong at bats. He is a prototypical leadoff hitter and since George Springer has been moved down in the lineup he just fits this mold so perfectly… He’s a very well round batter and there’s a little bit of a Steven Kwan in him,”
The 24-year-old Bateman has hit .305 and driven in five runs while already providing three Outs Above Average in the outfield through his first 14 games with the Blue Jays.
Kwan is known for being an elite contact hitter atop the Cleveland Guardians’ lineup while also providing tremendous defense in the outfield as a four-time Gold Glove Award winner.
It’s still far too early to say that Bateman can reach those levels, but the tools he possesses are extremely similar, and he even has the edge when it comes to speed.
With George Springer getting up there in age and his future in Toronto also in question beyond this season, the Blue Jays needed to begin their search for a new leadoff hitter. So far, it appears as if Bateman just may a replacement option—and a very good one at that.
