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Mike Zunino 2019 Outlook: Power Bat Moves to Tampa
6 years agoTampa Bay Rays catcher Mike Zunino was traded from the only organization he's known and now brings his prodigious power to the Sunshine State. Zunino should feel right at home, as he went to high school and college in Florida, becoming a first-round pick after his time as a Gator. Zunino has grown into his power potential, clubbing 25 and 20 home runs the last two season. His plate discipline took a step back last year, perhaps leading the Mariners to move on from him as they rebuild. Zunino has always had holes in his swing but his 37% strikeout rate in 2018 was a career high while his walk rate dropped down to 5.9%. Among batters with at least 400 plate appearances, he ranks as the one with the highest K rate of all, two-tenths of a point worse than Chris Davis and a full percent worse than Joey Gallo. It's a dubious mark but in most 5x5 fantasy leagues, the promise of 20+ HR and a fair amount of RBI to accompany regular playing time at the catcher position is enough to make him a starter. RotoBaller ranks him as the 11th catcher off the board. He is a good option for those who wait to fill the catcher spot, assuming you can offset his low average elsewhere.
