9. Mike Zunino, Tampa Bay Rays
Mike Zunino has some of the best raw power in the game, and in Tropicana Field he can probably even improve upon the 20 homers he hit last year or the 25 the year before, both with Seattle.
Zunino is also just entering his prime, as he’ll play the entirety of 2019 at the age of just 28. While Zunino’s walk rate of 5.9% and his strikeout rate of 37% aren’t the most appealing numbers there are positives on the periphery.
For starters, his batting average on balls in play was just .268 when the league average was .296 in 2018. His isolated power clocked in at a .209 when the league average was .161. Zunino has immense raw power, and the Rays won’t be counting on him to carry the team on offense anyway.
As a supporting player to the whole team, Zunino could absolutely improve the Rays team that won 90 games last season.
8. Gary Sanchez, New York Yankees
Yes, Gary Sanchez did hit under .200 last year, yes he had issues with his effort level. But he still slugged .406 despite hitting .186 and in just 2017 hit 30 home runs.
Sanchez dealt with injuries in 2018 and is still just 26-years-old. With other players like Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge protecting him in the lineup, Sanchez has all the tools to return to his All-Star form.
If he can put together a healthy season and fully commit himself to be in shape for 2019, Sanchez could be a big part of the Yankees attempt to catch the Red Sox.
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