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Brett Gardner 2019 Outlook: Veteran Keeps Plugging Along
6 years agoNew York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner is coming off of his worst offensive season at the plate, slashing .236/.322/.368. He had just 39 extra-base hits, 45 RBI, and was a .209 hitter in the second half. That being said, he did score 95 runs, hit 12 home runs, and stole 16 bases on 18 attempts.
While Gardner was terrible at the plate, there is still value in being a regular starter for the Yankees, as he has posted 90 or more runs scored in four of the last five seasons. He is a season removed from hitting 21 home runs as well and has also had 17 triples in the last three seasons. While Gardner had a poor second half results-wise, he maintained a strong hard hit ball rate (27.3% in the first half and 27.9% in the second half) and had a 22% line drive rate in the second half as well.
Gardner is projected to start in left field and bat leadoff for the Yankees, a very good thing for his fantasy stock. While his statistics may not dictate that he should still leadoff, his patience and speed are still valuable. Also, remember that Gardner is just a year removed from his best power season and leading off for the Yankees should lead to 100+ runs scored. Look at Gardner as a late-round OF punt play.
