KevinNewman

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Newman put himself on the map in 2019 with a solid all-around campaign that included a .308/.353/.446 slash line, 12 HRs and 16 SBs. The power output was surprising, as Newman had totaled only 15 homers in 1,630 career minor-league at-bats and posted a meager 2.1% barrel rate, 24.4% hard-hit rate and 84.7 mph average exit velocity with the Pirates last season. However, his proficient hitting and base-running are backed by promising data. Newman ranked in the 90th percentile last season with a .291 xBA and in the 84th percentile with a sprint speed of 28.5 ft/s. He also displayed superb contact skills, registering an 87.0% contact rate and 11.7 K%, each ranking in the top five among qualified hitters. His potential to hit for a high average while amassing double-digit steals make Newman worth a look in the mid-to-late rounds of fantasy drafts.