Ethan Workinger: A Quiet Power Source with Room to Grow
When the Braves signed Ethan Workinger as a non-drafted free agent back in 2020, he wasn’t exactly a household name. And after a tough 2024 campaign in Double-A Mississippi where he posted a .561 OPS, expectations heading into 2025 were modest at best. But baseball has a way of surprising you, and in 2025, Workinger gave the Columbus Clingstones something to build on.
A Steady Presence in the Lineup
Workinger didn’t just make the roster-he became a key piece. Appearing in 120 games, the outfielder delivered a .224/.299/.385 slash line, leading the team with 16 home runs.
That kind of pop matters, especially in a lineup that needed someone to step up and provide thump. He also chipped in 19 doubles, good for third on the team, and showed a disciplined approach at the plate with an 8.7% walk rate.
But what really stood out? The strikeouts-or lack thereof.
Despite his power, Workinger struck out just 18% of the time. That’s a rare combo: decent pop without the swing-and-miss issues that often come with it.
It’s the kind of profile that keeps coaches intrigued.
Carrying the Load in Spurts
There were stretches in 2025 when Workinger looked like the offensive engine of the Clingstones. When he was locked in, he could carry the team with timely extra-base hits and clutch at-bats.
His power was real, and when he squared the ball up, it jumped off the bat. In a long minor league season, having a guy who can change a game with one swing is invaluable.
The Consistency Battle
That said, the season wasn’t without its challenges. Workinger’s biggest hurdle was consistency.
His .246 BABIP suggests he ran into some tough luck, but there’s more to the story. His pull-heavy approach made him predictable at times, and when the contact wasn’t solid, it often turned into weak outs.
That inconsistency kept his average low and limited his overall production, even with the power numbers.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Workinger’s 2025 season was a mixed bag, but the tools are there. Power, plate discipline, and a low strikeout rate form a strong foundation. If he can refine his approach-maybe use the whole field a bit more and find a way to generate more consistent contact-there’s real potential for growth.
Heading into 2026, he’ll be a name to watch. He’s already shown he can handle a full workload and contribute in meaningful ways.
Now it’s about taking that next step. If Workinger can iron out the inconsistencies, the Clingstones-and maybe even the Braves down the line-could have something more than just a depth piece.
They might have a late-blooming contributor with legit power upside.