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Fans, analysts and even players often downplay the significance of stats compiled in spring training. Then they can't help but absorb the new data in hopes of unearthing meaning.
Last spring, Jung-Ho Kang and Matt Adams topped the home run leaderboard. Josh Bell and Lucas Giolito floundered before orchestrating in-season breakthroughs.
Some results, however, proved telling harbingers. Pete Alonso and Chris Paddack pushed their way onto Opening Day rosters by showing they had little left to learn. Rafael Devers, Yoan Moncada and Shane Bieber all delivered a sneak peek to their upcoming success while Jon Lester and Travis Shaw showed warning signs of something amiss.