January 4, 2019

New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton had a very mixed first season in the Bronx, slashing .266/.342/.509. This came after an MVP winning season in Miami in 2017, where he led the league with a .631 slugging percentage, 59 HR, and 132 RBI. Even though he dropped to 38 HR and 100 RBI last season, he still was an impact power hitter for both the Yankees and fantasy owners alike. A lot of critics of Stanton start with his drop in walks and huge jump in strikeouts to 211; there is no way to hide either fact as his OBP dropped to .343. Also, 21 fewer home runs in 13 more plate appearances (and in a better hitter’s ballpark) made many lose their minds after he went in the early 2nd round in 2018. Still, Stanton played 158 games (after playing 159 in 2017), removing fears that he was injury prone (played just 193 games in 2015/2016). Also, in regards to home runs, Stanton saw his hard hit ball rate jump YoY (38.9% to 42.3%) and his line drive rate rise as well (16% to 18.5%). The key difference was that he had a 34.3% HR/FB rate in 2017 and just 25% in 2018. Those that are evaluating Stanton might be better off throwing 2017 out the window in terms of power (especially with its unsustainable HR/FB rate) and look at his gains from 2018 (where he also saw his soft hit ball rate drop from 20.8% in 2017 to 19% in 2018). While his power numbers dropped a bit (and his strikeout numbers rose), Stanton is still on the spectrum of an OF1. There is the potential for 40 home runs and 125 RBI with Stanton, who will continue to stay healthy and in the lineup as long as he is the designated hitter for the Yankees. He will also deputize as an OF, so he will not lose his eligibility in the outfield, and can be considered around the 3rd round.--Chris Zolli