In 2018, Gio Urshela boasted a .233 batting average with a .608 OPS, thrusting his value downwards, in the opposite direction he would end up going in 2019, after joining the New York Yankees. Urshela emerged as one of the Yankees’ saving graces last season, logging a .314 BA with 21 homers and 74 RBIs, all career-highs for the former Toronto Blue Jay.
Credit the hitting coaches for the Yankees and their progressive mentality, focusing on launch angle and superior analytics. With only one good year under his belt, though, it’s challenging to justify expected success from the 28-year-old.