RADIO
Kolten Wong 2020 Outlook: A Low Upside, Medium Floor Option For Later Rounds
5 years agoKolten Wong enjoyed a relatively strong season at the plate last year, finishing with the sixth-highest oWAR (3.4) among hitters who primarily played second base last season. Even so, his numbers are hard to get excited about going into 2020. Wong’s relatively strong offensive play last year was largely driven by luck, which should not be counted on to continue through this season. Despite owning contact quality numbers in line with or below his career averages (25.1% hard-hit rate, 2.5% barrel rate), Wong benefited from a .321 BABIP last season (.294 career average) and a wOBA that sat 26 points higher than his xwOBA. Additionally, Wong’s career-high 35.6% fly ball rate boosted his power output but appears unlikely to remain high in 2020 after falling significantly in the second half of the season. Stolen bases (Wong had 24 last season) and a narrowing platoon split (career-best 27% chase rate against lefties in 2019) allows Wong to maintain a decent floor. Even with that floor in mind though, Wong’s limited upside and expected decline in performance make his 218 ADP high. Fantasy owners should pass on him at that price.
