I like the trade!
Darkest before dawn.
After his promising 2023 debut in the Majors, last season was nothing to brag about. No hits, no RBIs, and a ratio of 7 strikeouts to 3 walks. But with the caveat of only 25 PAs.
FanGraphs’ Depth Chart offseason projection was not encouraging (-1 Bat, -0.2 Fld, and 0 BsR in 28 projected PAs).
The Astros designated him for assignment.
Grae Kessinger could contribute as a bench player for the Diamondbacks.
The Diamondbacks traded for him. It was a good move!
In each of his two seasons in the Majors, he played all the infield positions except catcher. Last season he pitched one inning with no earned runs (although he is not a pitcher).
His batting results are a classic sophomore slump. The Diamondbacks need SLG. Because of the small sample sizes (45 PAs and 25 PAs), the following table will look at an expected stat (xSLG) based on batted balls for each pitch type.
Grae Kessinger. Data from Baseball Savant.
Perhaps the sophomore slump was caused by pitchers adjusting to Grae Kessinger. My view is that he is capable of adjusting to their adjustments and thereby he will break out of his slump.
He has potential to crush left-handed pitchers (something the Diamondbacks need). Let’s look at actual SLG.
Top Level SLG from Baseball Reference Splits. Because in 2024 he did not have any hits, his SLG is zero for both left-handed pitchers and right-handed pitches. In 2023, his SLG was much better against left-handed pitchers (.638 vs.214).
Looking at each pitcher he faced (Baseball Reference Stathead), and combining both seasons, provided a clearer picture. In 33% of his PAs against LHP (and only 15% of his PAs against RHP) his SLG was at least .500. This statistic shows his potential to crush left-handed pitching.
His four other advantages.
He will address challenges more effectively and with more speed because his grandfather actively mentored and taught him for his entire career.
“He’s a role model. He’s humble. You have no idea he had a 16-year big league career. He’s a Godly man. He lives the right way. And when it comes to baseball, he’s told me just about everything, and about shortstop. From the time I could barely walk to now, he’s still giving me tips, and after a game I can ask him whatever. And it’s just awesome to have him go through the journey with me.” — Grae Kessinger, 2019
His mindset is strong.
“…The biggest thing besides cleaning up some mechanical stuff, I’ve been able to repeat the moves I want to repeat, and that allows me to just have a game plan in the box and go compete. There’s no trying to ‘oh I’ve got to feel this’, [or] ‘in my swing I need to get this position’, or ….[one of his coaches at Sugarland] He’s worked with me a lot about approach based stuff and like I said it’s not all about the swing. A lot of it’s about your mindset, how to compete when you’re in the box. Your game plan is sticking with that plan.” — Grae Kessinger, June 2023
He uses time on the bench to become a better player.
“If I am not in the lineup, I just try to watch the game and learn. From how hitters approach certain pitchers to trying to find sequences and tendencies to pick up on. Instead of just eating seeds, I use them every day to learn something to help me be a better player.” — Grae Kessinger, July 2023
He knows how to stay ready when on the bench.
“…how to go about every day being in the big leagues, having a routine, how to stay prepared when you’re not playing every day. When you have different positions and pinch-hit opportunities, you have to learn how to prepare,… So, I try to follow him [Mauricio Dubon] and learn how I can mentally and physically stay ready.” — Grae Kessinger, April 2024
Summary.
Grae Kessinger could contribute as a bench player for the Diamondbacks.
His batting results are a classic sophomore slump. My view is that he is capable of adjusting to their adjustments and thereby he will break out of his slump.
He has potential to crush left-handed pitchers. His SLG is better against left-handed pitchers.
He will address challenges more effectively and with more speed because his grandfather actively mentored and taught him for his entire career.
His mindset is strong.
He uses time on the bench to become a better player.
He knows how to stay ready when on the bench.