RADIO
Shed Long 2020 Outlook: Sleeper Second Baseman
5 years agoThe Seattle Mariners acquired second baseman Shed Long from the Reds in a three-team deal that sent pitcher Sonny Gray from New York to Cincinnati. Long spent the 2018 season in Double-A where he slashed .262/.353/.412 with 12 home runs and 19 steals. In 2019, he was given an early look in the majors to start the season but struggled with a .232 average in only 19 games before he was sent to Triple-A. A shoulder injury and fractured finger delayed his return to the majors. But when he did return, Long took advantage of his opportunity with a .289/.337/.518 slash line with four home runs and five doubles in September. As he came back looking much better, he was put in the leadoff spot for the final 17 games of the season for Seattle. Now, Long heads into 2020 as the primary second baseman. He could provide value as a 20-homer, 10-steal threat that could hit about .260. Long is being drafted in the mid-500's and could provide similar value to someone like Freddy Galvis going much earlier.
