RADIO
Teoscar Hernandez 2020 Outlook: Elite Power With Playing Time and Batting Average Risk
5 years agoToronto outfielder Teoscar Hernandez failed to live up to expectations as a fantasy sleeper last season hitting just .230 with 26 home runs and 65 RBI in 417 at-bats. Although his 2019 was a disappointment, his power production soared in the latter half of 2019 which bodes well for 2020. Specifically, after a brief demotion to Triple-A in May, Hernandez returned to Toronto and hit 23 of his 26 total HR. This HR output was supported by an 11.7% barrel rate and 96.2 MPH exit velocity on FB/LD which equaled that of Josh Bell and Jose Abreu. On the downside, Hernandez's below-average 72.8 Zone Contact% (league average of 82.9%) and poor SwStk% (14.7%) contributed to a poor batting average. Such contact skill deficiencies make Hernandez susceptible to prolonged slumps. Going into 2020, the Blue Jays’ have OF/DH depth including Lourdes Gurriel, Jr., Randal Grichuk, Billy McKinney and Rowdy Tellez. Should Hernandez fall into a slump, he could, unfortunately, find himself in a platoon role despite the solid HR numbers he put up against righties in 2019. With an ADP of 372, Hernandez is certainly worth a gamble for owners seeking elite late-round power. That said, those owners willing to take a chance on Hernandez should be wary of a low AVG in addition to playing time risk as the season progresses.
