RADIO
Bradley Zimmer 2019 Outlook: Run Away
6 years agoBradley Zimmer entered 2018 as a sleeper steals specialist who didn't end up doing much. Zimmer’s 2018 season ended after just 34 games due to a torn labrum in his right shoulder, and likely won’t be 100% healthy on opening day. Entering the 2019 season, he should go undrafted. Even when healthy, the former first-round pick struggled immensely at the plate. He struck out 38.6% of the time and was lucky to have a .226 average with a .367 BABIP. Over a career 446 PA, Zimmer is hitting a woeful .237/.300/.370 and predominantly bats at the bottom of the order. The only reason to roster the 26-year-old is for steals. The Indians led the majors with 135 stolen bases last year but Zimmer only had four in his 34 games. He just doesn’t get on base enough to be a base-stealing threat. With Brantley, Alonso, Cabrera, and Encarnacion all leaving this off-season there will be ABs available, but Zimmer has shown no reason to think he can do much with them. The outfielder will see the field when healthy due to his defense, and if his steals potential peaks an owners interest, they should take a wait and see approach, as he is currently not being taken in drafts and will be a waiver wire target.
