April 6, 2017
Joshua Palacios is looking to keep up his impressive numbers at the plate in 2017. (Anthony G. Hall)
Outfielder Joshua Palacios has one focus for 2017 and that’s to pick up where he left off last season.
And who could blame him?
After posting an impressive .330/.397/.426 slash line in 197 at-bats across three levels; there’s
little surprise that Palacios is focused on finding similar success at the plate this year.
“I hope to find similar success at the plate this season,” said Palacios. “I feel I hit the ball well in
my first pro season, so I’m hoping to have similar results this season.”
One thing that will help Palacios achieve similar success is the extra preparation he received
during big league camp at spring training.
Believing the tips he received from major leaguers will help him down the road, Palacios feels even
more confident about his abilities in the batter’s box.
“Learning the little things that make them big leaguers was the biggest advantage of playing
with the big club during spring training,” explained Palacios. “Guys like Jose Bautista and Melvin
Upton Jr. have helped me with little things with hitting and situations that will really go a long
ways in my career.”
Another component that helps Palacios in the box is his ability to identify and take advantage of
any good pitch that comes his way.
“I jump on any good pitch I get, whether that be early or late in the count,” explained Palacios.
“Some people think I have an aggressive swing. But I’m looking for any good pitch I see and if
it’s early I’m going to go after it.”
But Palacios is more than a tremendous hitter, he’s also a solid defender that can play all three
outfield positions.
Spending the majority of his time in center last season; Palacios logged 287 innings at the
challenging position, where he picked up five outfield assists.
While Palacios is willing to play anywhere he’s needed, he admits center is his favorite of the
three outfield positions.
“I like all three outfield positions, but I like center the best,” stated Palacios. “In center you’re
able to just go after the ball and I like that aspect of it.”
Palacios hasn’t been officially assigned to a club yet for 2017, but the promising prospect should
be added to a roster soon.
No matter the destination fans will be excited to see the kind of talent that Joshua Palacios
brings to the ballpark every night for his respective club.