RADIO
Scooter Gennett 2019 Outlook: Undervalued Power/Average Combination In Improved Lineup
6 years agoCincinnati Reds second baseman Scooter Gennett continued to click in his second season with the Reds. Gennett delivered solid production in four of five roto categories (.310AVG, 23HR, 86Runs, and 92RBI) while spending most of his time hitting in the middle of the Reds’ lineup (23 games batting third, 76 batting fourth, 24 batting fifth). He hit for both average and power, posting a career-high hard-hit rate (38.8%) and an ISO that was fifth-highest among second basemen (.180). The Reds had a decent lineup overall last season and are looking to be more competitive in 2019. They have already bolstered their lineup with the addition of Yasiel Puig and are improving their starting rotation with time left for more offseason moves. With Gennett hitting his prime and still presumably batting in the middle of an even better lineup, he should be able to improve on his runs and RBI totals while maintaining a high batting average. Gennett should finish within the top-five at second base and is a steal at his early ADP of 93. He has top-50 upside, so splitting the difference and aiming for him around pick 70 seems like a fair valuation.
