1. Fundamentals at the Plate
The best version of Tellez is a solid pure hitter. In his breakout 2022 season, he ranked in the 75th percentile or better in expected weighted on-base percentage, expected slugging percentage, average exit velocity, barrel percentage, hard-hit percentage, and walk rate. In other words, Tellez has a strong approach with solid bat-to-ball skills that bely his imposing stature.
These skills have been on display since Tellez’s time in Toronto’s minor league system where he caught the eye of former All-Star (and Blue Jay Dad) Dante Bichette. According to Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic, the pair worked together prior to the 2020 season, adjusting Tellez’s two-strike approach and nearly cutting his strikeout rate in half.