The Los Angeles Dodgers traded pitching prospect Carlos Duran to the Athletics in exchange for Esteury Ruiz, who struggled with playing time in 2023 despite showcasing elite speed and base running abilities. Ruiz led the American League with 67 stolen bases and ranks in the 97th percentile for sprint speed. Manager Dave Roberts identified potential upside in Ruiz, who has primarily played center field but also has experience at the corners and second base. His offensive performance indicates a reliance on speed and contact, marked by a .254 batting average partly influenced by luck.
I know he's a plus-runner, really, astute baserunner, an outfielder. Mark Kotsay, the manager, really liked him, going back and forth by way of text with Kots, but that's about it.
Putting the ball in play is his best offensive approach because of the threat Ruiz's speed presents. It's evident by his .315 batting average on balls in play in 2023.
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