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Athletics rookie Jacob Wilson is already AL's best hitter not named Aaron Judge

The Sporting News's profile
The Sporting News
4h ago

Jacob Wilson, a rookie for the Athletics and son of former MLB shortstop Jack Wilson, is making waves in the American League with one of the best starts to a rookie season. During a homecoming game at Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles native secured hits in his first three at-bats, including two home runs, raising his season average to .361 and his OPS to .901, just behind Aaron Judge. Known for excellent contact hitting, Wilson has achieved five home runs and maintains an impressive record with only nine strikeouts in 158 at-bats, showcasing his ability to swing effectively. His performance is characterized by a high contact rate and minimal strikeouts, demonstrating his prowess as a top hitter in baseball. Billy Heyen highlights Wilson's achievements, noting his significant impact on the league and his potential future as a standout player.

Athletics rookie Jacob Wilson is already AL's best hitter not named Aaron Judge

Context:

Jacob Wilson, a rookie for the Athletics and son of former MLB shortstop Jack Wilson, is making waves in the American League with one of the best starts to a rookie season. During a homecoming game at Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles native secured hits in his first three at-bats, including two home runs, raising his season average to .361 and his OPS to .901, just behind Aaron Judge. Known for excellent contact hitting, Wilson has achieved five home runs and maintains an impressive record with only nine strikeouts in 158 at-bats, showcasing his ability to swing effectively. His performance is characterized by a high contact rate and minimal strikeouts, demonstrating his prowess as a top hitter in baseball. Billy Heyen highlights Wilson's achievements, noting his significant impact on the league and his potential future as a standout player.

Dive Deeper:

  • Jacob Wilson, the talented rookie shortstop for the Athletics, is quickly establishing himself as one of the top hitters in the American League, ranking just behind Aaron Judge. His impressive performance includes raising his season batting average to .361, with a remarkable OPS of .901.

  • Wilson's standout moment came during a game at Dodger Stadium, where he hit two home runs in his first three at-bats, highlighting his ability to perform under pressure and contribute significantly to his team's offense.

  • Despite being early in his career, Wilson has already hit five home runs, illustrating his growing power at the plate, which complements his well-known contact-hitting skills.

  • Jacob Wilson's approach at the plate is characterized by an exceptionally low strikeout rate, with only nine strikeouts in 158 at-bats, while also drawing seven walks, underscoring his disciplined and effective batting style.

  • The rookie's baseball pedigree is notable as he is the son of former MLB shortstop Jack Wilson, which adds to the intrigue surrounding his ascension in the league.

  • Billy Heyen, a freelance writer, emphasizes Wilson's achievements and potential in the league, noting his ability to consistently make contact and avoid strikeouts as key factors in his early success.

  • Wilson's performance is part of a larger narrative in the 2025 MLB season, as he continues to attract attention and comparisons to established stars, reflecting his impact and potential future in the sport.

  • Jacob Wilson put on quite the homecoming show on Tuesday night.

  • The native of Los Angeles got hits in his first three at bats at Dodger Stadium, including two home runs.

  • It just continued one of the best starts to a rookie season ever as the Athletics shortstop made a strong case as one of the American League's top hitters.

  • After the second homer, Wilson had raised his season average to .361, just behind Judge on the AL leaderboard. He's also now OPS-ing .901.

  • Wilson is the son of long-time MLB shortstop Jack Wilson.

  • He spent the early portions of the season making tons of contact with minimal pop. But Wilson has found his way to five homers now after the multi-HR game.

  • — Baseball’s Office (@baseballsoffice) May 14, 2025 MORE: Javier Baez is the best story of the 2025 MLB season

  • Wilson has done all this in large part because he almost never strikes out.

  • In 158 at bats, Wilson has nine strikeouts (he also has seven walks). This guy is up there to swing the bat.

  • And so far, he's swung it better than almost anyone in baseball.

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