Mentored by Phil Plantier, Connor Joe Is Pittsburgh’s Hottest Hitter
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Pirates have been a nice shock up to now this season. Far exceeding the low expectations positioned upon them by prognosticators, the Bucs boast a 16-7 file, tops within the senior circuit. Their greatest hitter has likewise been a nice shock. Sixty-six plate appearances into his fourth massive league marketing campaign and his first within the Steel City, Connor Joe is slashing a strong (and clearly unsustainable) .357/.455/.643 with 10 extra-base hits and a 194 wRC+. (His .467 wOBA comes with a .384 xWOBA and a .439 BABIP.) Over his final six video games — all Pittsburgh wins — the 30-year-old outfielder has gone 9-for-19 with three doubles, a triple, a house run, and a pair of walks.
Joe talked about his evolution as a hitter, togeth...