January 1, 2019

Detroit Tigers outfielder Nick Castellanos remains the lone offensive bright spot for the team and a consistent high-average, power performer. In 2018, he hit 23 homers, 89 RBI, and had career-best numbers in average (.298) and OPS (.854). Although his homers dropped from 2017 (26), his total extra-base hits increased from 72 to 74 in 2018. Castellanos’ performance is even more impressive, considering his plate discipline and the lack of a supporting cast on the Tigers offense. At the plate, Castellanos has a habit of chasing balls out of the zone more than a third of the time (38%), which is bound to happen when you swing at more than half the pitches you see. While he remains very aggressive at the plate, his strikeout rate (22.3%) sits right at league average. Thankfully, he is able to drive the balls he does get ahold of with a 47.9% hard-hit rate (8th in MLB). Against left-handed pitchers is where he truly shined; Castellanos led the league with a .381 batting average against them. As for team context, Miguel Cabrera is expected to return in 2019; even with that, there is little reason to expect an increase in counting stats from Castellanos. Still, as the 22nd ranked outfielder, Castellanos can provide very good batting average and power with upside if he can improve his fly-ball rate (35.8%). He remains a value with an ADP of 85, roughly the seventh round of drafts.--Ellis Canady - RotoBaller