Newman broke out in a big way last summer, slashing .320/.389/.426 over 102 games split between High A Bradenton and Double-A Altoona, all while posting a 7.8% strikeout rate and 9.4% walk rate. It was not a surprise to see Newman – a former first-rounder and advanced collegiate bat – posting high contact rates and demonstrating advanced feel for the strike zone, but the loud production outdistanced the scouting in certain regards, and questions remained as to whether the young middle infielder was capable of maintaining that level of performance at the upper levels.

While Newman’s current production has been largely consistent with his Double-A performance from the second half of 2016 (.280/.333/.387 in 2017 compared to .288/.361/.378 in 2016), there has been a notable shift by Eastern League arms to a more aggressive approach, as pitchers seem more inclined to roll the dice challenging Newman early in the zone, relying on his high ground ball rates and lack of power to limit potential for damage.

His on-base production, which has dropped from a 73-point delta off his average at Double-A last year to 53 points through the first month of action this year, has carried the brunt of the impact – dovetailing with evaluators’ concerns that his inability to lift and drive the ball could ultimately limit his offensive upside to that of a hollow-average producer, with little in the way of impact on-base or power utility. While still quite early, it’s worth noting the adjustments being made against Newman in Double-A will only amplify as he continues to work towards Pittsburgh, and his ultimate offensive value is going to be directly tied to his ability to leverage his keen eye and contact ability – that means making sure he’s hitting for enough pop to at least keep arms honest.