RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ team leagues
OWNED IN: 32% of leagues
ANALYSIS: Hyped in some circles before the season, Jake Bauers has seen his ownership levels drop after a shaky start to this season. Modest numbers last season haven’t been enough to inspire confidence with his .182 average, zero home runs, three runs, and two RBI this season. Bauers' BABIP and batted-ball data, however, suggest that he has been more unlucky than bad. His .211 BABIP is bound for positive regression, and his expected statistics (.246 xBA, .382 xSLG) reveal a player who has been fine, though not good at the plate.
Bauers’ well-roundedness and the Indians’ penchant for running make him a candidate to meet or exceed his Steamer projection of a .246 average (right in line with his expected numbers this season!), 18 home runs, and 15 stolen bases. If the Indians’ offense rebounds with the eventual return of Francisco Lindor and Bauers gets to start 150 games, he’s a strong candidate to contribute useful numbers in runs and RBI, which would put him awfully close to Jurickson Profar’s 2018. If he's been dropped in deeper leagues, don't hesitate to stash him now.
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