Wood and Montgomery Aim for the Fences as Home Run Race Heats Up
As the final days of the MLB regular season dwindle down, excitement builds around the tight division races and the scramble for Wild Card spots in both the American and National Leagues. With only three days left on the schedule, the spotlight shines brightly on the players who could swing for the fences. Here’s a closer look at our favorite home run picks for Friday, September 26th.
James Wood Finds His Groove
James Wood began the season as a home run sensation, but his power seemed to fizzle out following a hot start. From Opening Day until June 23, Wood launched 22 home runs in just 79 games, boasting an impressive isolated power (ISO) rate of .284. However, his performance took a nosedive in the subsequent 73 games, where he managed only five home runs, resulting in a stark decline of his ISO to .118.
Yet, as the season approaches its end, Wood appears to be regaining his form. He has homered in consecutive games and recorded three barrels during that span. In his last three outings, Wood has made contact with five hits that exceeded 100 mph in exit velocity, three of which were fly balls—tying him for the league lead in that category.
Today, Wood faces a favorable matchup against Yoendrys Gomez, who has been susceptible to left-handed hitters, allowing a home run every 16.50 at-bats over the past five weeks. Given his recent resurgence, Wood is poised to go yard once again.
Colson Montgomery Eyes a Home Run
On the opposing side of the diamond, Colson Montgomery of the Chicago White Sox is also in contention to leave the yard. Like Wood, Montgomery has displayed solid hitting lately, recording five hits with an exit velocity over 100 mph in his last three games. Among those hits, he has launched three balls with an exit velocity above 105 mph and a launch angle between 10-40 degrees.
Although Montgomery has only managed one home run in the past week, his underlying metrics suggest he is on the verge of a power breakout. Earlier this season, he demonstrated his prowess by hitting 18 home runs over a blistering 37-game stretch from July 22 to September 5, with a jaw-dropping .406 ISO and a barrel rate of 18.6%.
Montgomery will face Cade Cavalli of the Washington Nationals today, who shares a similar vulnerability to left-handed hitters, allowing a home run every 16.50 at-bats in recent weeks. With the potential for fireworks in this matchup, Montgomery could very well add to his home run tally.
Michael Harris II Heating Up at Truist Park
When discussing the hottest hitters in baseball recently, Michael Harris II cannot be overlooked. Over the last week, he is tied for the league lead with five barrels and has also compiled 12 hard hits, ranking him among the top players in that category.
Delving deeper into his performance, Harris has recorded seven hits exceeding 100 mph in exit velocity over the past three games, tying him with a select few for the second most in that time frame. His recent form is not just a flash in the pan; across his last five games, he’s hit ten balls with similar exit velocity—placing him third in the league.
Today, Harris faces Mitch Keller of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who has struggled against left-handed hitters, allowing a home run every ten at-bats in his recent outings. Additionally, Keller has posted a 10% barrel rate and a staggering 51.35% hard-hit rate against lefties.
The weather in Atlanta is also conducive to home runs, with high humidity and low barometric pressure enhancing carry. With Truist Park’s shorter right field dimensions, Harris, who pulls the ball over 40% of the time, finds himself in an ideal situation to capitalize on these conditions.
As the MLB season draws to a close, keep an eye on these players as they aim to add to their home run totals in what promises to be an electrifying finish.
