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Mallex Smith 2019 Outlook: Speedster Ready To Anchor Your Steals In 2019
6 years agoSeattle Mariners outfielder Mallex Smith is taking his hot wheels to the Pacific Northwest for the 2019 season as their likely leadoff hitter, though there’s a risk that he bats ninth and Dee Gordon leads off. It’s possible that Smith’s 2018 produced the quietest 40-steal season in recent memory, but his .296/.367/.406 slash line and some injuries on the team opened up consistent playing time for the 25-year-old. Smith’s 29.8 ft/sec sprint speed was ninth out of 403 players with at least 50 baserunning opportunities while Dee Gordon’s 29.0 mark was 36th, so the man is not just relying on good timing. That said, he’s got a success rate of nearly 75% on his career and isn’t so cavalier about running that he’ll get the red light put on himself. And it isn’t like the Mariners are new to having a burner on the basepaths, which leaves most projections painting Smith with another 40-steal campaign. But the lack of power, serious track record and uncertain batting slot leaves us with Smith as our 41st outfielder against his OF26 ADP.
