Every MLB season, there are usually multiple players who have a rough year. Both hitters and pitchers should know what it’s like to be in a slump. These slumps can last for just a few games, or can even be seen in different parts of a full season or even longer. Other players miss an entire season because of injury.
Here are five MLB players on National League teams at the time of writing that can have a bounce-back season in 2020.
Brandon Crawford is more known for his defensive ability. However, his hitting numbers were still down in 2019 even for his offensive standards. His .654 OPS last season is his lowest since 2012. Crawford’s slash line last season was .228/.304/.350. His .228 average is his lowest since he debuted in 2011. Don’t expect Crawford to hit 30 homers next season, but don’t be surprised if his numbers are up compared to 2019.
Brandon Nimmo (Image from ESPN)
Just one season after having the fourth-best on-base percentage among qualified players, Brandon Nimmo had a rough 2019. His OPS dropped by over 100 points, going from .886 in 2018 to .783 in 2019. His home runs were cut by more than half, and his RBI went down by 18. Nimmo will be turning just 27-years-old early into the 2020 season, so he has time to turn things around.
The only qualified player in the National League with a higher on-base percentage than Nimmo in 2018 was Joey Votto (.417). Like Nimmo, Votto’s offensive numbers dipped in 2019. His .357 on-base percentage is a career-low, and his .411 slugging percentage is his lowest since 2014. The Reds made some upgrades to their roster this season, and that could help Votto in 2020.
At the time of writing, the MLB has Matt Carpenter listed as the backup third basemen on the Cardinals depth chart. One reason for this could be his poor performance in 2019. His batting average and on-base percentage were his lowest since his first season in 2011. These factors could be motivators for Carpenter to bounce back heading into his 10th MLB season.
Wil Myers (Image from Fox Sports 2)
Former Rookie of the Year winner Wil Myers could bounce back in 2020. He didn’t have the worst year of his career, but his numbers could have been better. His .739 OPS was a career-low, and his .239 batting average was his lowest since 2014. He should get some solid playing time with San Diego this season, which can provide him some opportunities to get back on track.
Feature Image Courtesy of Sporting News.
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