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Eric Thames 2020 Outlook: Very Deep League Power-Only Bat
Since coming back from Japan in 2017, Eric Thames has put on an impressive display of home run power. Over the last three seasons, Thames has mashed 72 home runs, primarily facing only right-handed pitchers. The Washington Nationals brought in the 33-year-old left-handed first baseman/outfielder on a one-year contract for $4 million. In 2019, Thames produced a .247/.346/.505 slash line and 25 home runs, 67 Runs, and 61 RBI. The biggest flaw to Thames' game is he strikes out at 30.5 K%. His horrendous strikeout rate put him in the bottom five percent of all major league hitters. His career 12% walk rate will put him near the top of the lineup though. His sprint speed has gotten slower each of the last three seasons at 26.7 feet per second that makes him the 339th fastest player in the major leagues. Unfortunately, the Nationals brought back Ryan Zimmerman to platoon with Thames at first base. This move will hinder his ability to reach 500 plate appearances. At pick 465, there isn't much to this profile except 20-plus home run potential. The expectation should be a regression in all categories across the board. Thames could have value in leagues that use OBP instead of AVG.
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