Part 3/12:
At number five, Garcia highlights Ko Aamoto, an intriguing international free agent from Nippon Baseball (NPB). Many believe Aamoto will be posted soon, with Scott Boris likely pushing for a move to the majors before age 30.
What makes Aamoto appealing:
Elite Offensive Production: He posted a 210 WRC+ and a 1.014 OPS in 2024, despite playing only 69 games due to injuries.
Consistent Performance: Over the past three seasons, Aamoto ranked as one of the top hitters in NPB. His stats include a .327 batting average, a .416 OBP, and a .598 slugging percentage.
Well-Rounded Hitter: He hits for average, walks at a high rate (about 11.5%), and maintains a strikeout rate below 16%. His contact rate peaked at about 80% this year, showcasing his improved plate discipline.