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Keston Hiura 2020 Outlook: Potential For Power Growth
5 years agoMilwaukee Brewers' second baseman Keston Hiura had a few stints with the big-league club in 2019 and proved effective each time, finishing with a line of .303-19-49-51-9 in 84 games played. The first thing that stands out is that Hiura's average seems unlikely to carry over, as it was propped up by a .402 BABIP. While Hiura has always supported a high BABIP over this career, his xBA of .266 suggests that regression is coming. However, Hiura figures to make up for the average regression with an increase in power. He had 97th percentile hard-hit percentage, 90th percentile exit velocity, and 88th percentile xSLG. Paired that with his 8.3% barrels per plate appearance and 16-degree launch angle and that puts him in range with guys like Bryce Harper, Austin Meadows, and Freddie Freeman. A final line of .275-30-95-80-10 is well-within range for Hiura, which would make him a dynamic fantasy asset; although, perhaps a risky proposition at his current ADP of 43 for a such a young player. While he carries some risk, you should feel comfortable drafting him before guys like Whit Merrifield and Ketel Marte.
