"For generations the leadoff hitter was easy for a manger to identify: A fast guy. A slap hitter. Someone who could be the "spark plug." Then you stick another guy as the table setter in the second spot. Probably your best hitter third. And your power guy at the four spot. And in some ways this wasn't terrible advice to follow. The problem was that those skills needed to be driven by something else: the ability to get on base."
"It's not crazy to think that Roman Anthony is the best hitter on the Red Sox in 2026 and they should absolutely bat him leadoff. As a rookie, Anthony hit .292/.396/.463, and while a lot of things in baseball have changed over the years, having a triple slash of 3/4/5 hasn't. While that is indeed a small sample, FanGraphs is projecting Anthony to put up a .367 OBP which is also nothing to object to."
Leadoff selection historically emphasized speed and slap-hitting, but on-base ability has greater value for creating run-scoring opportunities. A leadoff hitter who reaches often via hits or walks sets the table for middle-order run producers and can still provide power when needed. Roman Anthony’s rookie line (.292/.396/.463) and a FanGraphs projection of a .367 OBP argue for moving him to leadoff. Jarren Duran’s leadoff splits (.255/.323/.418 overall; .214/.274/.429 as first batter; .202/.280/.360 when leading off innings) show markedly lower OBP. High-OBP leadoff hitters maximize chances for multi-run innings.
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