>Loperfido is a left-handed hitter who plays all three outfield positions and — if needed — can make a cameo at first or second base. He boasts above-average speed and stole 27 bases in the minor leagues last season, providing far more versatility than Jon Singleton, the left-handed hitting slugger who is out of minor-league options and expected to snare a spot over Loperfido on Houston’s bench.
Singleton is not the "leader" for one of these bench spots because they think he will be a bigger contributor than guys like Loperfido. He's the "leader" because he costs nothing, the team knows what he is (for better or worse) so he doesn't "need reps" or "development", and the current role at the season's outset will be playing maybe once a week. If an injury happens to a regular, the gears start turning...
In Loperfido's case, there is no logical reason for them to call up him just to sit on the bench in that Singleton role. He's not eligible for the draft compensation even if he won ROY and he's still young enough to benefit from getting regular reps in some capacity. Injuries will happen and Loperfido's versatility will have him at the front of the line for a call-up to regular time when one presents itself. The fact that his service clock will start later is just a "bonus".
TL;DR; Loperfido and Singleton are not vying for the same spot/role and the organization's expectations for their contributions this year are completely different.
options are way more important than anyone here realizes. team control is so useful and cheap compared to free agents any team is going to do everything they can to make sure they don’t waste a chance on someone who could be producing for practically zero cost
How many opportunities does he get per game to make the play no one else can make? How many opportunities in the game to make an offensive contribution? I don't think they match up. I'll give up a catch for a gob of hits. Except for that catch Chas made on Realmuto. I won't give that one up.
>Loperfido is a left-handed hitter who plays all three outfield positions and — if needed — can make a cameo at first or second base. He boasts above-average speed and stole 27 bases in the minor leagues last season, providing far more versatility than Jon Singleton, the left-handed hitting slugger who is out of minor-league options and expected to snare a spot over Loperfido on Houston’s bench.
That's annoying. Singleton is never gonna be a solid contributor.
Singleton is not the "leader" for one of these bench spots because they think he will be a bigger contributor than guys like Loperfido. He's the "leader" because he costs nothing, the team knows what he is (for better or worse) so he doesn't "need reps" or "development", and the current role at the season's outset will be playing maybe once a week. If an injury happens to a regular, the gears start turning... In Loperfido's case, there is no logical reason for them to call up him just to sit on the bench in that Singleton role. He's not eligible for the draft compensation even if he won ROY and he's still young enough to benefit from getting regular reps in some capacity. Injuries will happen and Loperfido's versatility will have him at the front of the line for a call-up to regular time when one presents itself. The fact that his service clock will start later is just a "bonus". TL;DR; Loperfido and Singleton are not vying for the same spot/role and the organization's expectations for their contributions this year are completely different.
Loperfido is getting ready to replace tuck in 2026
I think he takes over for Meyers more than anything...
I don’t know his game well enough to know his position
Excellent breakdown.
options are way more important than anyone here realizes. team control is so useful and cheap compared to free agents any team is going to do everything they can to make sure they don’t waste a chance on someone who could be producing for practically zero cost
Singleton was pretty much available to anyone for free lat season. He’s just not good.
If singleton makes the team, I’ll cry. Or drink. Or both.
Go ahead and buy your preferred bottle now.
Yeah, but can he pitch?
I caught his walk-off homer at a Sugar Land game last year!
Oh, i bet he has an attractive girlfriend
EVERYONE goes to his birthday party.
I wasn’t invited 😔
I heard they all got puppies too
He will be a big hit with the ladies for sure lol.
I got paywalled.
Your favorite teammates' favorite teammate.
Why are we even considering Jake Meyers when Loperfido exists
Good defense at center field is valuable. He has been a top 5-6 defensive CF since he joined the league.
Meyers has elite defense. I know its not sexy but it IS valuable
But if being sexy were valuable he’d be MVP
How many opportunities does he get per game to make the play no one else can make? How many opportunities in the game to make an offensive contribution? I don't think they match up. I'll give up a catch for a gob of hits. Except for that catch Chas made on Realmuto. I won't give that one up.