RADIO
Andrew Vaughn 2021 Outlook: Well-Rounded Power Bat
4 years agoAfter winning the AL MVP in 2020 and signing a new three-year contract, incumbent first baseman Jose Abreu isn't going anywhere but that doesn't mean that Vaughn won't play a significant role in 2021. The rookie first baseman's development took a hit when his first full pro season was disrupted by the pandemic but he received valuable instruction at the alternate training site. Our early expectation was that Vaughn would open the year in double-A but he's seen a lot of playing time early in the spring and is performing well. There is a good argument to be had over who the best first-base prospect in the majors is — Vaughn or 2020 first-overall pick Spencer Torkelson (although the Tigers will give the latter a chance to play the hot corner). For our money, the White Sox prospect is the safer better as the more well-rounded player who should hit for power and average while also producing strong on-base numbers. With a current ADP near 237, there is clearly hype around Vaughn's impending impact despite his uncertain ETA. He has the skillset and pedigree to expedite his learning curve and be a strong fantasy contributor in 2021.
