Looks Like He Made It: Zach Walters’ 1st 2-XBH Game

Sep 28, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians second baseman Zach Walters (6) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Throughout the course of a season, many Indians players will reach important career milestones, or reach impressive season achievements.  In this segment, we’ll try to keep track of all of them, while including a few interesting facts and what to watch for next.

Player:  Zach Walters

Contract Status:  Pre-arb.  Arbitration eligible in 2017, potential free agent in 2020.

Achievement:  Walters’ homer and double in the Tribe’s last game of the season gave him his first major-league game with multiple extra-base hits.

Details:  Walters’ homer made him one of just 14 rookies to hit 10 homers this year, and one of just four middle-infielders in that category.  His isolated power mark is sixth among major-leaguers with at least 50 plate appearances, and the highest mark of any player on the Cleveland Indians.

What to Watch For Next:  Walters is a true wild card next year.  He could explode for 25 homers if he gets enough playing time, or he could end up as a complete bust and be an afterthought by the All-Star break.  Keep an eye on his homers to see how many plateaus he can reach, and make sure to watch his isolated power mark.

Did a Cleveland Indian reach a milestone that we forgot to celebrate?  Let us know!  We’re always on the lookout for more player achievements, so e-mail us atwahoosonfirst@gmail.com if you notice something we missed.