RADIO
Gio Urshela 2020 Outlook: Looking To Build on Breakout Season
5 years agoNew York Yankees third baseman Giovanny Urshela erupted in 2019 after previously mediocre production with Cleveland and Toronto. He delivered 21 home runs, 74 RBI, 73 runs and a .314 batting average in a career-high 442 at-bats last season. The question now is how much of that increased production is real? The 28-year-old had a HR/FB rate of 17.5% and a .349 BABIP, both of which were far-and-away career bests. Some of that improvement can be traced to a hard-hit rate (44.0%) nearly twice his previous career average, and to an increase in his contact rate (79.6%). Though he has a quality strikeout rate (18.3%), one thing to keep an eye on is his tendency to chase pitches (41.8%). When looking ahead to 2020, it would be unreasonably optimistic to expect Urshela to maintain the same rates in a full-time role. Nonetheless, Urshela has an opportunity to start the season as the regular third baseman. The Yankees will look toward different avenues to play Miguel Andujar. Even with similar production as 2019, Urshela could provide value in a corner infield slot worthy of his current 233 ADP.
