RADIO
Jesse Winker 2020 Outlook: A Platoon Hitter Buried in the Depth Chart
5 years agoJesse Winker is a valuable hitter in the right situations, but it’s hard to imagine him getting many opportunities with the Reds this season after Nick Castellanos joined Cincinnati's already crowded outfield. A contact hitter with solid power, Winker has posted hard-hit rates north of 40% with above-average strikeout rates in each of the past two seasons. This has also lead to a reliably above-average slash line. This season, Winker’s value will depend largely on playing time. No matter where he goes, Winker will likely get stuck in a platoon role, as he owns a career .907 OPS against righties compared to a .543 OPS against southpaws. Additionally, Winker’s significant positive home split (.909 OPS at home, .780 away) would likely be damaged by a trade, so he’s really only a fit for DFS players who can pick matchups and ballparks. Given the uncertainty and limitedness of Winker’s value, his ADP of 328 is high. Full-season fantasy owners would be better off with either a safer or higher upside outfielder later in the draft.
