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ANALYSIS: Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Randal Grichuk does have a lot of critics, but there are still aspects that make him fantasy relevant. Critics say that he sells out too much of his approach to generate his power. Also, there is a lot to dislike in players who go for broke and walk less than 10% of their plate appearances. A 22 homer season looks nice, like Grichuk had a year ago, but the 5.9% walk rate and 30.1% K rate on a .238/.285/.473 line is just brutal.
All that said, the 26-year-old is having himself a bit of a moment. Over the last two weeks, the former Cardinal has hit four home runs with just seven strike outs over 38 at-bats. It is tough to tell watching him if he has been adjusting his approach due to coaching or if he is just on a hot streak, but it is a welcome change. It is also prudent to note that, despite his four seasons of major league experience, Grichuk is just 26. If he indeed is responding to coaching and can make more consistent contact, there is no reason to think that he can be more than cheap power. Right now, his career average contact percentage is a ghastly 71.5%. However, he is swinging less than he ever has before, leading to a career-low 33.2% chase rate. This is marked improvement for known chaser.
Look, Grichuk has one big thing going for him. When he hits the ball, it goes far. He is hitting more fly balls, being more selective, and is walking more, all of which are good. If he can continue these gains, he has 30-plus home run potential. This is a big "if:, but at least he is cheap power with a high ceiling.
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