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Eric Hosmer 2021 Outlook: Swing Change Elevates Hosmer's Fantasy Value
4 years agoSan Diego Padres first baseman Eric Hosmer offers fantasy managers a tricky conundrum on draft day. On one hand, Hosmer is coming off a career-year posting his best batting average (.287), slugging percentage (.517), and wOBA (.359) since signing with the Padres in 2018. On the other, that came in just 156 plate-appearances thanks to two separate stints on the injured list in the already-shortened season. Hosmer did, however, make changes to his swing last season with a focus on elevating the ball more and his batted-ball data seems to validate his strong season. In 2018-19, Hosmer's launch angle on batted balls was among the lowest in baseball resulting in the second-highest ground ball-rate in the Majors. Last season, Hosmer raised his launch angle over six degrees while still posting a career-best hard-hit rate. If the changes Hosmer made last season carry over to 2021 he should put up strong numbers batting in a prime slot for a loaded Padres lineup. Expect around 25 homers with 90-100 RBI while providing enough batting average to be an asset for his position. Hosmer is a reliable 1B option available for a fair price at 133rd overall in average draft position.
