RADIO
Freddie Freeman 2020 Outlook: Highly Dependable Player At Thinning Position
5 years agoBatting in one of the best lineups in the majors, Freddie Freeman put up MVP-type numbers for the Braves in 2019. He slashed .295/.389/.549 while setting career highs across the board in HR (38), R (113), and RBI (121). Among all major-league first baseman, each of these marks finished in the top-three of their respective categories, helping him earn his first Silver Slugger Award. Freeman didn’t stand out in any Statcast metric compared to his lifetime marks as his 27.1% fly-ball rate and 42.3% Hard Hit% lined up evenly with his career averages. He was his usual dominant self last season but capitalized on a .327 BA with men on base and a .363 BA with RISP. Freeman has remained a clutch hitter throughout his nine-year career, but numbers this high have trouble replicating themselves yearly. The four-time All-Star is undoubtedly one of the most well-rounded hitters in baseball, and as consistent as they come at a thinning first base position. Coming off offseason elbow surgery, Freeman will remain a reliable contributor to four of five roto categories, making him a rewarding second-round draft choice.
