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Justyn-Henry Malloy 2024 Player Outlook: Patience Has Been A Virtue
11 months agoDetroit Tigers infield/outfield prospect Justyn-Henry Malloy was unable to reach the big leagues in the 2023 season but it wasn't because of his bat. The 23-year-old spent the entire season with Triple-A Toledo, hitting .277 with 23 home runs, five stolen bases, and an .891 OPS across a hefty 611 trips to the plate. While he boasts solid pop (he also logged 25 doubles), Malloy's calling card is his patience at the plate as he walked in 18% of his plate appearances in 2023 after drawing free passes in 16.4% of his plate appearances in his first full professional season in 2022 with the Braves. His unpolished glove was the sole reason he did not debut with the Tigers last season and it lessens his chances of heading north with the club out of spring training. Fortunately, the Tigers have a gaping hole at third base, Malloy's main position, and his ability to play the outfield improves his outlook. That said, with Fangraphs projecting just 70 MLB plate appearances for Malloy in 2024, he is best left alone on draft day.
