RADIO
Yordan Alvarez 2022 Player Outlook: Elite Hitting Ability Provides Plenty Of Value
3 years agoHouston Astros outfielder/designated hitter Yordan Alvarez came back from a lost 2020 and crushed the ball, slashing .277/.346/.531 with 33 HRs, 104 RBI, 92 runs, and one stolen base in 144 games. Although he's only played 233 career games, he looks to have one of the highest power floors in the game. In 2019, his rookie season, he combined for a 16.7 Barrel%, 48.9 HardHit%, and 117.9 max exit velocity before posting marks of 15.9%, 54.2%, and 116.4 last season. He recorded good numbers against each pitch, with a .465, .543, and .628 xSLG against offspeed, breaking balls, and fastballs, respectively. Besides his power, his .280 xBA in 2021 and .277 career average suggests he should be a contributor in the category next season. He hits in a loaded Astros lineup, allowing the slugger to compile triple-digit runs and RBI. His 0.34 BB/K isn't the prettiest, but his power and hitting prowess can offset that. The main concern with Alvarez is his ability to stay on the field, but he should be able to log 150 games while slotting in as the full-time DH. His current ADP of 35 is worth the cost for someone who can go yard 40 times and contribute in three other categories.
