5 years agoBefore a back injury in August ended his 2019 season, free agent Hunter Pence exhibited somewhat of a rebirth posting a .297-18-59-53-6 line for the Texas Rangers. Pence also produced a .358 on-base percentage in 316 plate appearances. For 2020 it is highly questionable whether Pence can repeat this production. Pence turns 37 in April and 2019 marked the fifth-straight year in which he missed considerable time due to injury. Additionally, even before his injury, Pence saw a steep power decline after the All-Star break in which he only hit three home runs in 101 at-bats with a 12% HR/FB rate. Although his 2019 homer total was somewhat supported by an average 95.4 exit velocity on FB/LD and 9.1% barrel rate, his 10.1-degree launch angle suggests more line drives with a home run regression for 2020. Despite a solid 2019 campaign, Pence’s age, injury risk and playing time uncertainty in San Francisco, make him nothing more than a late-round lottery ticket. With an ADP of roughly 600, owners in very deep mixed leagues willing to roll the dice on Pence’s health and playing time should hope for 2019 production as an absolute ceiling. It is more than likely, however, his home run totals will regress even if his batting average and OBP remain near last season’s numbers.--Nick Ritrivi - RotoBaller