Ryan Noda’s Exceptional Rookie Year
Our very own insiders report of noteworthy performances from Oakland Athletics’ most recent MLB season, with Ryan Noda making a significant impact. Despite the taxing 2023 season, Noda set himself apart, showcasing exceptional on-base skills in his rookie year.
On-base Skills
Noda held a commanding lead, boasting a strong .364 on-base percentage (OBS). These impressive numbers have positioned him favorably as a prospective leadoff batter for the forthcoming season, a sentiment echoed by experts. Despite a marginally par batting average of .229, Noda’s comprehensive performance comprised 77 walks, a feat that stood unrivaled among all MLB rookies.
Noteworthy OPS and Other Achievements
In addition to leading in walks, Ryan Noda’s On-base Plus Slugging (OPS) sat at a robust .770. This score latched him firmly onto the ninth spot among rookies who recorded at least 400 at-bats. He was far from a one-trick pony, with his statistics also showcasing solid extra-base hits – 22 doubles and 16 home runs.
A Promising Leadoff Hitter
While his primary batting position was second in the lineup, his aptitude for a leadoff hitter’s role began to present itself. In the 21 games where he assumed this position, his OPS hovered at .776. Third in the team for hits and RBIs, Noda has made considerable strides this season. However, his relatively slower speed, as evidenced by only three stolen bases, stands as an unconventional choice for the leadoff spot.
Manager’s Words and Noda’s Focus for Future
Upon assessing Noda’s skillset, A’s manager Mark Kotsay did not dismiss the possibility of considering him for the leadoff spot. Kotsay underscored the significance of on-base skills, opting to emphasize this strength over speed. As for Noda, he’s displaying an unwavering focus on improvement; fully acknowledging the shortcomings experienced in the past season, his eyes are firmly set on the future. He stressed upon the cohesion of his teammates, expressing their unified aim to claim more victories in the coming games.
