Cristian Pache 2021 Outlook: Defensive Star has Chance to Break Out Offensively
4 years agoThe young Braves outfielder is a plus-plus centerfielder who has star potential simply due to his glove — but that's a skill set that has little-to-no value in fantasy baseball. Offensively, his numbers have been nothing to write home. However, he's shown signs that he could potentially develop into a strong hitter when you take into consideration that he's been one of the youngest hitters in each of the leagues he's played in. Pache's 2019 season was especially promising when he posted a 134 wRC+ in Double-A at the age of 20. Another thing to like about his trajectory is the power development — a skill that commonly improves with age (physical maturity). After not hitting a home run in his first two pro seasons, Pache's home run totals have since increased each year and reached double-digits in 2019. With some continued physical maturity and tweaks to beef up his launch angle, there are 20 to 25 home runs in that bat. He hasn't run much since stealing 32 bases in 2017 but Pache still possesses good speed and there is the potential for double-digit steals down the road if a base-running coach can help him polish that skill. With an ADP of 365, fantasy managers realize the Braves prospect is still a work-in-progress despite a solid shot at an everyday outfield role in 2021. Pache is a surefire target in dynasty leagues but he's also an intriguing late-round sleeper in redraft leagues.