Matt Beaty is a third-year player in Major League Baseball who had an impressive 2021 season, providing above-average offense in a specialized role for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
While he may not be a household name, Beaty’s contributions to the team cannot be ignored, as he started games at three different positions and provided valuable left-handed hitting to a team that is always looking for an edge.
In this blog post, we will examine whether or not Matt Beaty is a good player by analyzing his offensive and defensive performance, his value to the team, and his future outlook. By the end of this post, we will have a better understanding of Beaty’s skill level and potential for future success.
Offensive Performance
Beaty’s Offensive Statistics in 2021
In 2021, Beaty played in 94 games, batting .270/.334/.443 with an OPS+ of 112, which indicates he was 12% above league-average in terms of offensive production.
He had 24 extra-base hits, including 7 home runs, and drove in 34 runs. He also showed good plate discipline, striking out in only 17.4% of his plate appearances while walking in 8.6% of them.
His Statistics to League Averages and His Peers
Beaty’s offensive statistics compare favorably to the league averages for his position, particularly in terms of his on-base percentage and OPS+. However, when compared to other outfielders with a similar number of plate appearances in 2021, his offensive numbers are more modest.
His Approach at the Plate
Beaty has a patient approach at the plate, with a good eye for the strike zone and a willingness to work deep into counts. He also has a solid contact rate, making contact on over 85% of the pitches he swings at.
Strengths and Weaknesses of His Offensive Game
Beaty’s strengths as a hitter include his plate discipline, contact ability, and ability to hit for extra bases. However, his power numbers are relatively modest for a corner outfielder, and he may struggle against left-handed pitching.
Additionally, while he has shown some ability to hit for a high average, he may need to improve his consistency to become a more reliable offensive contributor.
Defensive Performance
Beaty’s Defensive Metrics in 2021
Beaty played in the outfield and at first base in 2021, starting 44 games in the field and one game as a designated hitter. He had mixed defensive metrics depending on the position he played.
In left field, he had a defensive runs saved (DRS) of -2, indicating he was below-average defensively. In right field, he had a DRS of 1, indicating he was slightly above-average defensively. At first base, he had a DRS of 0, indicating he was an average defensive first baseman.
His Versatility and Ability to Play Multiple Positions
Beaty’s ability to play multiple positions is a strength, as it allows him to provide value to the team even when he is not hitting. He has shown that he can handle both outfield corner positions as well as first base, which gives his team some flexibility when constructing lineups.
Evaluation of His Defensive Strengths and Weaknesses
Beaty’s defensive strengths include his versatility and willingness to play multiple positions. However, his defensive metrics at left field suggest that he may be below-average defensively at that position.
Additionally, while he has played first base more frequently than the outfield, his defensive metrics at first base are only average.
Comparison of His Defensive Metrics to League Averages and His Peers
When compared to league averages for his positions, Beaty’s defensive metrics are mixed. He is below-average in left field but slightly above-average in right field. His metrics at first base are average.
Compared to other players at his positions, his defensive metrics are generally lower than his peers, but his versatility and ability to play multiple positions give him some value as a utility player.
Value to the Team
Assessment of Beaty’s Overall Value to the Team
Beaty provided a valuable left-handed bat and versatility in the field to the Dodgers in 2021, playing in 94 games and making 44 starts in the field.
While his offensive and defensive metrics were mixed, his ability to play multiple positions gave the team some flexibility in constructing lineups.
His Role and Contributions to the Team’s Success
Beaty’s contributions to the team’s success in 2021 were somewhat limited, as he played in fewer than half of the team’s games and did not have a clearly defined role on the team.
However, his ability to play multiple positions and provide left-handed hitting made him a valuable utility player for the Dodgers.
His Value to the Team to His Peers
Compared to his peers, Beaty’s value to the Dodgers is somewhat modest. He did not play as many games as some other outfielders and did not have as clearly defined a role as some other utility players.
However, his ability to play multiple positions and provide left-handed hitting still made him a valuable contributor to the team.
Future Outlook
Assessment of Beaty’s Potential for Future Success
At 28 years old, Beaty is still relatively young and has shown some potential as a left-handed bat with versatility in the field. However, his offensive and defensive metrics in 2021 were mixed, so it remains to be seen whether he can become a consistent contributor at the Major League level.
His Ability to Improve and Develop His Game
Beaty has shown some ability to improve and adjust his approach at the plate, as evidenced by his increased walk rate in 2021. Additionally, his ability to play multiple positions suggests that he has a solid baseball IQ and is willing to learn and improve defensively.
Evaluation of His Potential Role and Contributions to the Team in the Future
The Dodgers have a crowded outfield and first base situation, which could limit Beaty’s opportunities to play regularly.
However, his ability to play multiple positions and provide left-handed hitting could still make him a valuable utility player for the team. If he can continue to improve his offensive and defensive game, he could potentially carve out a larger role on the team in the future.
Matt Beaty’s Offensive Statistics to League Averages and His Peers in 2021
| Category | Matt Beaty | League Average | Peers (Utility Players) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batting Average | .259 | .241 | .261 |
| On-Base Percentage | .339 | .316 | .333 |
| Slugging Percentage | .421 | .409 | .430 |
| OPS | .760 | .725 | .762 |
| wRC+ | 108 | 100 | 108 |
This table compares Matt Beaty’s offensive performance in 2021 to the league average and his peers (utility players).
As we can see, Beaty’s batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage were all higher than the league average, although his OPS was only slightly above average.
However, his wRC+ (which measures a player’s offensive value relative to the league average, adjusted for park and league factors) was the same as his peers, indicating that his offensive production was about average for a utility player.
FAQs
Has Matt Beaty won any awards or honors?
As of 2021, Matt Beaty has not won any major awards or honors. However, he was named a Pacific Coast League All-Star in 2019 while playing for the Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate, the Oklahoma City Dodgers.
How long has Matt Beaty been with the Dodgers?
Matt Beaty was drafted by the Dodgers in the 12th round of the 2015 MLB Draft and made his Major League debut in 2019. He has been with the Dodgers organization for his entire professional career.
What is Matt Beaty’s best position?
Matt Beaty is known for his versatility in the field, as he can play both corner outfield positions as well as first base. While he does not excel defensively at any one position, his ability to play multiple positions gives him added value as a utility player.
How does Matt Beaty compare to other Dodgers utility players?
Compared to other utility players on the Dodgers roster, such as Chris Taylor and Kiké Hernández (who left the team after the 2020 season), Beaty’s contributions are somewhat modest. However, his ability to play multiple positions and provide left-handed hitting still makes him a valuable contributor to the team.
What is Matt Beaty’s contract status?
As of 2021, Matt Beaty is still under team control by the Dodgers, meaning he is not yet eligible for arbitration or free agency. He signed a one-year contract for the 2021 season, but his future with the team beyond that is uncertain.
Conclusion
Matt Beaty had a solid but unspectacular season for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021. He provided some left-handed hitting and versatility in the field, but his offensive and defensive metrics were mixed.
However, at only 28 years old, Beaty still has some potential to develop and become a consistent contributor at the Major League level. His ability to play multiple positions and willingness to learn and improve could make him a valuable utility player for the Dodgers in the future.
While he may not have a clearly defined role on the team at the moment, his ability to provide value in a variety of ways makes him a valuable asset for the team to have.
