Aces Set Sights on Breaking More Offensive Records in 2024

Reno, Nev. -- The 2023 Reno Aces set an extremely high bar in the batter's box. The talented and experienced group set club records in batting average (.303), runs (1,043), hits (1,570), RBI (984), and on-base percentage (.401). Reno was the only club in the PCL to score over 1,000 runs despite ranking last in the league in long balls (163) and steals (76). Reno paced the hitter's paradise Pacific Coast League in OPS (.877) and was the lone club with an on-base percentage over .400. The 2024 team looks similarly talented and seasoned, with top global prospects and standout veterans expected to lead the team into Las Vegas for Opening Day Friday night.

21-year-old shortstop Jordan Lawlar took the Biggest Little City by storm last year. Appearing in 16 games for Reno, the speedy and dynamic baseball savant crushed five home runs, posted a 1.049 OPS, and convinced the Diamondbacks he was ready for the majors just two years after they drafted him 6th overall in 2021. He's a premier young player and ranks as one of the best baseball prospects, combining outstanding pitch recognition, power, baseball IQ, and potentially plus defense at a premium position. All eyes are on the exceptional talent as he prepares for MLB stardom.

Reno will have a fantastic mix of defense, speed, and advanced plate discipline up the middle of the diamond. Jorge Barrosa, who starred in center field for the BLC Nine last season, returns to his post for Opening Day. The 23-year-old from Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, matched his career high with 13 homers in 2023. A switch hitter, Barrosa has shown an uncanny ability to draw walks from both sides of the plate while bringing the rare combination of traditional and modern leadoff hitter. He hits for average, he hits for power, and he gets on base.

It will be challenging to replace the immense production of Phillip Evans and Diego Castillo. Still, the Diamondbacks brought in an intriguing and powerful player who could fill a similar role. 24-year-old slugger Andrés Chaparro crushed at every level of the minors in the New York Yankees system, most recently bopping 25 homers for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre last season. With the versatility to play both first and third base defensively and post-eye-popping exit velocities in the box, the El Vigia, Venezuela product is a prime candidate to pace Reno in power output as the season progresses.

Tristin English tied 2020 American League Rookie of the Year Kyle Lewis for the team lead with 17 homers in 2023. English joined Reno after an incredible run in Amarillo and never slowed down as he moved to the friendly confines of Greater Nevada Field. Hailing from Williamson, Georgia, which has a population of 681 and perhaps more cows than people, the right-handed slugger broke through significantly in 2023. With 20 doubles, 73 runs driven in, and a .894 OPS, the former third-round pick is as strong as a middle-of-the-order bat as you'll find in the PCL.

(Editor's note: This preview does not reflect the Opening Day roster, which is determined by the Arizona Diamondbacks.)

The Reno Aces will kick off the 2024 season with a three-game trip to Las Vegas beginning on Friday, March 29th. They will play their home opener on Tuesday, April 2nd, when the Sacramento River Cats, the San Francisco Giants Triple-A affiliate, visit Greater Nevada Field at 2:05 p.m. PDT.

Single-game tickets for the 2024 season are available at RenoAces.com, texting "TIXX" to 21003 or calling (775) 334-7000.

-ACES-