These 5 Hitters Are Really Good At Hitting – April 8, 2026
Carter Jensen, C, Kansas City Royals
Jensen homered yet again, going 1-3 with a BB and K. His hit was the only one the Royals put together on the day, so it came at an opportune time. I think Jensen has put the “sleeping thru his alarm” debacle to bed. He’s 5-12 with two homers in the last three games. Even though he’s striking out at 37% (will come down), he’s hitting the ball hard 53% of the time, and his 33.3% Pull Air rate is intriguing. The contact is down compared to his 2025 data, which actually makes him all the more intriguing. If he can get this quality of contact at last year’s contact rates, watch out. From the desolate catcher position, I want the upside. If you don’t have one of the top studs on your team (Baldwin, Contreras, etc.) he’s a must-add for you.
Gunnar Henderson, SS, Baltimore Orioles
Henderson went 2-4 with R, HR, 2 RBI, BB, and 2 K. Henderson is off to a good start to the year. His 14.8% Barrel, 18.3 LA, 44.4 LASS, 33% Pull Air, and .444 xwOBACON all represent career highs. However, his 30% K rate and 40% hard hit rate would be career worsts. The zone contact and chase rate are moving in the wrong direction, but mostly the chase rate. If he can reel in the swing percentage, I think we can see more career-average contact for him. But in general, I like what I’m seeing to start 2026.
Sal Stewart, 1B, Cincinnati Reds
Man, I love this guy. Sal Stewart went 1-3 with RBI, BB, and K on one hard hit ball. He’s now slashing .351/.468/.595 on the year. If you’re in dynasty, spend all your money on this kid. If you’re in redraft, buy him now while the name-brand value hasn’t caught up. Stewart is running a .520 xwOBACON, 57% HH rate, 19% BB rate, and 21% barrel rate. His 22.8% whiff rate is low and manageable. His 39% GB rate is below big league average. He makes tons of contact, walks, puts the ball in the air, and hits the ball hard. This is a complete hitter. Buy now, don’t wait.
Kevin McGonigle, 2B/3B, Detroit Tigers
McGonigle went 2-5 with 2 RBI and K on one hard hit ball. The rookie has ultra-intriguing underlying data. McGonigle has an ultra-low 15% whiff rate, which pairs well with his 40.6% LASS and 28% Pull Air rate. He is quietly a complete hitter so far. He has ample juice (12.5% barrel), makes contact, puts the ball in the air, and rarely strikes out. The swing decision and contact quality are super rare for a hitter this young. McGonigle also has 28 mph sprint speed, making him a real HR/SB dual threat. The counting stats are not there, but he is batting higher in the lineup. They are coming, be patient. This is a rookie who will contribute to your fantasy team this year.
Luis Robert, OF, Chicago White Sox
Robert went 0-2 with 2 BB and 2 K on the day. It’s significant to talk about a player who walked twice when they’re now walking at 21.1% and only striking out at 13.2%. The reason? Well, Robert has cut his swing rate to just 38.9%, well below big league average (47%) and well below his career average (57%). His 24.6% whiff rate would be a career low as would his 24.4% contact rate. His 84.6% contact rate would be a career high. Must-add. Buy.
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