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Three Pirates Who Are Exceeding Expectations Thus Far
By Baron Dionis
Pirates Infielder : Alika Williams
Alika Williams was acquired in 2023 after the Pirates sent Robert Stephenson to the Rays. Williams was a great hitter for the Indianapolis Indians, but once he was called up, he did not hit very well. In 101 at-bats, Williams posted a .198 batting average with five doubles and six runs batted in. He also had an OPS of .518, which included an on-base percentage of .270 and a slugging percentage of .248. Meanwhile, Stephenson pitched fabulous for the Tampa Bay Rays and it looked like another swindle move by the AL East team. Stephenson cashed in with the Angels this past offseason but has not pitched essentially and will now miss the rest of the year with Tommy John Surgery.
Williams is known for having a plus glove, but for him to get his bat going as well would be big for the Pirates. Through 27 at bats, Williams has a .333 batting average with a double and two triples. He also has an OPS of .898, which includes an on-base percentage of .379 and a slugging percentage of .519. Alika being able to hit consistently would be very huge for this team. Williams made some mechanical changes that he mentioned slipped away from him last season after being traded. Again, a weird testament against the Pirates who struggle to develop hitters.