Astros: Comparing the 2020 outfield lineup against the Yankees

Center Field – Advantage Astros

Ranking third behind Mike Trout (No. 1, AL MVP) and Cody Bellinger (No. 2, NL MVP) in MLB’s 2019 top 10 in center field, George Springer had an MVP-caliber year marred only by his lack of playing time because of injuries. His fielding percentage in CF was a mere 1.000 over the course of his 75 games played in that position. And in his overall 122 games, he ended 2019 with career-high numbers in all offensive categories with an average of .292, OPS of .974, slugging of .591, on-base percentage of .383, 39 home runs and 96 RBIs.

Initially separated by $5 million at the deadline, Springer and the Astros came to an agreement of $21 million for the 2019 season. There are some rumors floating around that an extension could happen this spring, and with his stellar 2019 season added to the books, the Astros really need to lock him him down to an extension.

In 98 games, center field was covered for the Yankees mostly by Brett Gardner with Mike Tauchman and Aaron Hicks picking up the remainder. For purposes of comparison, we’ll focus on Gardner and Hicks.

Hicks and Gardner respectively placed 8th and 10th in MLB’s 2019 top 10 center fielders, and with their respective fielding percentages, .991 and .995, this is understandable. Offensively speaking, Gardner had a bit of a stronger year with his career high of 28 homers, but Hicks missed more than just a few games due to injury and his offensive stats were pretty much in line with his career numbers.

Again, advantage ‘Stros!

Right Field – Advantage Yankees

MLB aired its top 10 right fielders for 2019 on Jan. 18. I’m sure it comes as no surprise to see Aaron Judge at number three in these ranks with his fielding percentage of 1.000 over his 92 games in right field. And even though he has yet to meet his rookie-high offensive numbers, his average of .272, OPS of .381, slugging percentage of .540, and 27 home runs prove he is still a very relevant force to be reckoned with at the plate.

There are a lot of critics saying it’s time to trade Josh Reddick even though he didn’t have the worst year, either offensively or defensively, when comparing his 2019 stats with his career averages. Although he didn’t hit for a lot of power this past season, with a notable 14 homers, he did end the year with an above-career batting average of .275, an on-base average of .319, slugging of .409, and OPS of .728. He only struck out a total of 66 times over his 141 games, which is notably one of his best showings in this category over his 11-year career in the majors.

Like his offense, Reddick’s defense was average to above average over his career numbers in many of the graded categories. His fielding percentage was .981 with nine defensive runs saved in right field and nine saved in other outfield positions for which he played in 2019. Like Springer and Brantley, Reddick will become a free agent going into 2021.

With only a small sample size – 11 games to be exact – the numbers for Kyle Tucker are promising. With a fielding percentage of 1.000 and four defensive runs saved, chances are pretty good he gets quite a few starts in 2020, especially with his offensive promise. In only 67 at-bats, Tucker hit four homers, had an average of .269, 11 RBIs, 5 stolen bases, a slugging percentage of .537, and an OPS of .857.

While the start of 2020 weighs in favor of the Yankees in right field, this position could prove to be an edge for the Astros as the season wears on.

Bench and Outliers

Some of our players not ranked in these categories are Myles Straw, Aledmys Diaz, Garrett Stubbs, Dustin Garneau, Jack Mayfield and Abraham Toro.

Look for some stellar defensive input from Straw in both the infield and outfield. Stubbs is also one to keep an eye on in my opinion, especially in the speed department.

Spring Training will be exciting this year as the Astros decide who will make the 26-man roster to start the season. With all of the talent to choose from, this will prove to be a very difficult decision for anyone who takes the manager position this season.

Future Comparisons

More from Climbing Tal's Hill

• Just how much better is the Houston Astros playoff rotation than the rest?
• Houston Astros: A Lineup Change to Spark Offense
• Astros prospect Hunter Brown throws 6 shutout innings in debut
• Always faithful Astros World Series champion Josh Reddick defends the title
• Michael Conforto declines Astros’ 2-year, $30 million offer

My next installment will analyze our pitching comparisons, but will come later into Spring Training as rotations shape up and fill out.

With the addition of the latest trade from the Rays, Austin Pruitt, and some others on the 40-man roster, this should be an interesting time for both the back end of the rotation and the makeup of the bullpen.

The report from Commissioner Rob Manfred lingering over the Astros has caused quite the negativity in the fandom, and we only have 22 days left until catchers and pitchers report for Spring Training, and Opening Day 2020 fast approaches. But with the revelation of our new manager and GM on the horizon, these are exciting times for the Astros and their fans as our final 26-man opening-day roster comes into full view.

And even though there is so much negativity coming from other fan bases, the Astros still have one of the best, if not the best, lineups in all of MLB. The Astros were also rated as one of the top defensive squads in 2019 by MLB. Because much of our core is back on the field in 2020, we’re sure to be at the top of the leader boards in these categories again.

So chins up, people. Let’s show the rest of the world what Houston Strong really means!

Go Astros!