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C.J. Cron 2019 Outlook: How Will He Follow Up A Breakout Season?
6 years agoC.J. Cron finally got his chance to play every day in 2018, and he did not disappoint for the Rays. Cron not only hit 30 bombs in 560 PA, but he posted career-bests with a .240 ISO, .816 OPS, and 122 wRC+. Now he’ll take over for Joe Mauer as the Twins’ first basemen in 2019 and look to follow-up his breakout campaign. The problem is, outside of his fortunate 21.4% HR/FB ratio, it’s hard to see where Cron made improvements. He was solid in most StatCast categories, putting up an 88 MPH average exit velocity, a 12.2% barrel rate, and a 15.2 degree average launch angle, but none of those numbers are vast improvements over his time in Anaheim. His 25.9% strikeout rate and 72.6% contact rate were both career worsts. His HR/FB ratio will certainly come down, and the move from Tropicana Field to Target Field is a negligible move in terms of park factors. That being said, Cron should be a decent source of power as a corner infielder. He’s a fair value at an ADP of 259. Nothing more, nothing less.
