7 years agoTampa Bay Rays outfielder Steven Souza Jr. avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3.55 million deal, according to a source. Although his batting average remained low (.239) due to inconsistent contact, Souza otherwise had a career year, hitting 30 home runs and driving in 78 runs in 148 games. Despite the lack of contact, he also showed improvement in his walk rate and chased fewer pitches outside the zone. You can more safely invest in Souza's power/speed combination, but the lack of contact will continue to cap his batting average and on-base upside.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBaller
Source: Fan Rag Sports - Robert Murray