Advanced metrics show Lowe is ready to break out
Drew Silva explains why Brandon Lowe looks poised to break out in 2021 based upon his underlying metrics in 2020.
Video Transcript
DREW SILVA: If the Rays are gonna work their magic again this season and make another surprise run, Brandon Lowe is sure to be a big part of it. He's maybe not a household name for casual fans, but Lowe is deeply appreciated in the advanced metrics and fantasy baseball communities. Last season, the 26-year-old ranked in the 98th percentile among all MLB hitters in barrel percentage, in the 94th percentile in expected slugging percentage, and in the 90th percentile in expected weighted on-base average.
It all worked out to a .916 OPS with 14 home runs, 37 RBIs, three stolen bases, and 36 runs scored in 56 regular-season games. And then he went on to hit three home runs in the World Series.
Rays manager Kevin Cash likes to deploy different lineups from a day-to-day, night-to-night basis. Lowe batted second more often than not in 2020, and he should never be lower than cleanup. A little bonus-- he's eligible at second base, first base, and the outfield on Yahoo.
