4 years agoComing off of perhaps his best season in 2019, Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer slashed .265/.359/.540 with 14 homers and 32 RBI across 220 plate appearances in 2020 with Houston. Beginning in 2019, there has been a huge change in Springer's approach that has allowed for him to hit for more power. Since 2019, Springer has posted a 12.6 AB/HR rate to go with a .284/.376/.576 line in 776 plate appearances. Looking at his 2020 hitting metrics, we see that Springer's exit velocity on FB/LD (among the top-50 of qualified batters), overall barrel rate, and overall hard-hit rate remained similar to his 2019 numbers, only dipping slightly. Additionally, in 2020, Springer posted an overall launch angle of 18.3 degrees, up dramatically from 10.4 degrees in 2019. On the downside, though his sprint speed of 28.2 ft/sec ranks in the top 20% of the league, it has never translated to significant stolen base totals. Springer's power metrics and the fact that he will now be hitting toward the top of a formidable Blue Jays lineup in a great hitters park suggest not only a repeat of his production from the past two seasons but also a potential increase. With an ADP of 57, Springer is projected as a late fourth or early fifth-round pick in most redraft formats. This ADP could be a huge steal. Springer should return elite counting stats in three categories to go with a batting average close to .265 where his 2020 xBA of .294 ranked among the top 8% of the league last year. Managers should draft Springer with confidence for 2021 as he begins the next chapter of his career in Toronto.--Nick Ritrivi - RotoBaller