Ryan Wheeler

In his first season with the Rockies organization, Wheeler continued to shine at the minor-league level, amassing an excellent .306/.351/.463 batting line for Triple-A Colorado Springs. However, when his stellar play earned him at-bats with the parent club, Wheeler failed to take advantage, cobbling together a .238 on-base percentage in 42 plate appearances. Young players struggling in their early exposure to the majors is not a new phenomenon, but it’s worth wondering whether Wheeler will ever make the leap after he struggled in a similar fashion in his trial with the Diamondbacks the season before. Perhaps Wheeler’s transition could be aided by more consistent at-bats in the majors rather than just the occasional start or pinch-hitting chance, but he won’t be granted that opportunity anytime soon with Nolan Arenado entrenched at the hot corner.