Best Hitter at Home: Ketel Marte (.779 OPS)
In 2022, Ketel Marte was the most consistent hitter at Chase Field for the D-Backs. Overall Marte struggled a season ago, but being home seemed to be like therapy for him and his bat…
In 74 home games in the 22’ season, Marte slashed .261/.350/.429; bringing his OPS to .779. The Ketel Marte we got to watch in home games was vastly different than the Marte we saw on the road. In 63 away games in the 22’ season, Marte slashed .216/.286/.381; bringing his OPS to .667…
If you want to see some fireworks from Marte, don’t make a road trip to see him play at another stadium. For Ketel, being home brings out the best in him…
Worst Hitter at Home: Alek Thomas (.538 OPS)
Oh boy, what is there to even say about this? Don’t get me wrong, I think Thomas is going to shine in 2023 but oh brother, that OPS is not good by any stretch of the imagination…
In 59 home games a season ago, Alek Thomas slashed .220/.261/.277; bringing his OPS to .538. Hard to find the good in those numbers. But hey, let’s stay optimistic; good vibes only right? In 54 away games last season, Alek Thomas slashed .242/.288/.411; bringing his OPS to .700. If you have an OPS of .700 over 54 games, you are definitely staying in the lineup and for how young he is, his numbers are only going to improve. Not to mention that he is an amazing defensive outfielder. In 113 games last season, Thomas finished with an OAA (Outs Above Average) of 7 putting him in the upper echelon of outfielders in that category.
There is reason to be optimistic about Thomas, as he is young and will only get better from here on out. But this kid better figure out how to hit at home or fans will start throwing tomatoes at him and booing him on his walk of shame back to the dugout…