RADIO
Jake Burger 2024 Outlook: Big-Time Power and Nothing Else
12 months agoMiami Marlins third baseman Jake Burger entered the fantasy consciousness with a bang in 2023, slashing .250/.309/.518 with 34 HR in 540 PAs. The power was legit, as Burger's 97.8 mph average airborne exit velocity, 16.7% rate of Brls/BBE, and 118.2 max exit velocity all ranked sixth among qualified big league hitters. As such, he'll likely maintain his 25.4% HR/FB. Burger also projects as Miami's cleanup hitter, giving him as many RBI opportunities as the team can muster. Unfortunately, everything else in his profile is a red flag. Burger's plate discipline was atrocious last year, and he would be lucky to repeat his 5.9 BB% and 27.6 K% based on his 41.3% chase rate and 17.1 SwStr%. Burger also posted an 18.4 LD% last season, likely making it difficult for his .284 BABIP to reach the major league average. Burger has above-average wheels with a Statcast Sprint Speed of 28 ft./sec but has never been a base thief in his professional career. Ultimately, drafting Burger comes down to roster construction. If you need power and have your batting average covered, Burger makes sense at his ADP of 166.60. If you don't need pop, it's safe to ignore Burger on draft day.
