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Ben Gamel
Assuming Ben Gamel is playing on a daily, or close to it, basis for the Pittsburgh Pirates, he could also be an option to bat leadoff. With the amount of questioning surrounding the corner outfield positions for the Pirates, odds are, Gamel will be a regular in the lineup, at least when the season begins.
The veteran outfielder is coming off a season in which he posted a .347 on-base percentage to go with a strong 12.8% walk rate. Strong on-base skills have always been a trait in Gamel’s game. In 1783 career plate appearances and 564 games played, Gamel owns a 9.9% walk rate and an OBP of .335. Outside of his 6.5% walk rate in 2017, Gamel has never posted a walk rate below 10.2% in his six-year MLB career, including two seasons with a walk rate over 11.0%.
Gamel also has experience as a leadoff hitter which should benefit him. In 287 career ABs at the top spot in the lineup Gamel owns a 9.1% walk rate and a .336 OBP. Respectable numbers for the leadoff spot, especially on a team without a true leadoff option.
While Gamel may be nothing special as a hitter with a career wRC+ of 97, league average wRC+ is 100, he does possess the ability to get on base. The most important trait for a leadoff hitter is to get on base and set the table for hitters behind them, with a career walk rate of 9.9% and a walk rate over 10.2% in each of his MLB seasons except one, Gamel should have the skillset to be a good table setter for the Pirate offense.