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Justin Upton 2020 Outlook: Veteran Outfielder Could Have A Bounceback Season
5 years agoTo say that Justin Upton had a lost 2019 would be an understatement: he slashed just .215/.309/.416 with 12 HR in 256 PAs. Injuries probably had a lot to do with his disappointing performance, as he battled turf toe for much of the campaign and was nursing patellar tendinitis in his right knee for a significant chunk of the season as well. Fantasy owners seem to be writing the 32-year-old off as a result, at least if his 241.15 ADP is any indication. However, there could be a bounce-back forthcoming. Early reports suggest that Upton has had a “normal offseason,” suggesting that the injuries are behind him. While his contact quality certainly took a hit (93 mph average airborne exit velocity, 11.6% Brls/BBE vs. 96.8 mph, 14% in 2018), he still paired a 45.9 FB% with a 17.9% HR/FB. He's also willing to take a walk (12.5 BB% last year) and figures to hit in the middle of a lineup that includes Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon. Upton's days of contributing steals are probably over, and his 30.5 K% caps his batting average potential. Still, there's nothing wrong with getting .260 and 30 bombs from a pick outside of the top 200.
