Detroit Tigers: Akil Baddoo’s unlikely catch is five stars

Detroit Tigers outfielder Akil Baddoo has been known for offensive highlights all season long. As a rookie, there have been a few times where he has defensive lapses. But last night, Baddoo made a play that was a Statcast gem.

The Detroit Tigers got great defense from Derek Hill, in addition to him picking up his first RBI of his professional career, but we are used to Hill making highlight-reel catches.

But for

Akil Baddoo

, his scouting report has been known for his speed and patience at the plate, which is continuing to grow.  As a collective, the Detroit Tigers outfield defensive runs saved (DRS) is ranked 22nd overall with -5, with Robbie Grossman leading the team with 2. He has been flashing the glove all season long with catches like this.

So what makes Akil Baddoo’s catch so unique? According to Statcast, he ran down a ball that he had just a 5% chance of catching. Let’s take a look.

Baddoo used his speed to close in on a ball that could have easily been a double in the corner. According to Statcast, here’s how catch probability works:

“Catch Probability expresses the likelihood for a ball to be caught by an outfielder based on opportunity time, the distance needed, and direction. “Opportunity time” starts when the ball is released by the pitcher, and “distance needed” is the shortest distance needed to make the catch.”

Baddoo has worked hard to get better at all facets of his game. For a player who is adjusting from Low-A to the major leagues and has a DRS of just minus 1, you can’t ask for anything else from your Rule 5 draft pick.