Hunter Pence

[RollieTime]

Yes, that Hunter Pence. He will be 37 early next season, but had a resurgence last season where over roughly 300 at bats, he hit .297 with 18 homeruns. Pence worked on a swing change prior to the 2019 season and the numbers sure point to that being a successful transition. He played on a one year deal for only $2 million in 2019.

 

He could be a nice bench piece to add to the mix behind Cain, Yelich, and Grisham if Braun does indeed move to first base. Even if he doesn’t, with the 26th spot on the roster now available, Pence could be an interesting get. Veteran leader, doesn’t strikeout at an insane rate, takes some walks, and would provide some pop off the bench from the right side. He can play right field allowing Yelich to move back to left field. It also provides a nice fallback option if Grisham struggles this season.

 

Very unlikely, but Pence could also be an option to move to first base or play some first base since he is a below average fielder in the outfield. If he hits in 2020 like he did in 2019, his bat would easily play the position. I don’t think he will get much more than $3-$4 million on a one year deal. I wouldn’t mind seeing a veteran bat like his added to the roster.

[Eye Black]

He credited his resurgence with a late career swing change. If you're interested in hearing about it from Pence himself check out this Effectively Wild Podcast starting just after the 55-minute mark.

[clancyphile]

I like him over Ben Gamel as a platoon mate for Grisham/Spanberger.

 

Use Grisham as the #2 CF.

[Jopal78]

He can't stay healthy. As a bench player/DH for the Rangers he missed a month in the middle of the year with a groin strain. He came back in mid-July and about a month later suffered a low back injury, and then strained a hamstring rehabbing the back injury resulting in him missing the final month of the year. Even at 2-4 million per year, he won't cut it in the NL and it would be like throwing money away.

[JohnBriggs12]

He can't stay healthy. As a bench player/DH for the Rangers he missed a month in the middle of the year with a groin strain. He came back in mid-July and about a month later suffered a low back injury, and then strained a hamstring rehabbing the back injury resulting in him missing the final month of the year. Even at 2-4 million per year, he won't cut it in the NL and it would be like throwing money away.

 

Between the 4th of May and June 13, he started 31 games. That may have led to his injuries. As a platoon player, he might start 10 times a month and pinch hit the rest of the time.

 

Boy he raked against LHP though. I've always liked (feared Pence) and I think he fits a need perfectly on this team. The alternative to fill that spot in a platoon with Grisham is Tyrone Taylor. Though the sample size was microscopic, it's impressive that Taylor only fanned one time in 10 major league AB's. It's also noteworthy that Taylor had a breakout August in San Antonio that was almost Grisham-like: .346/.418/.598. So I might take a flyer on Pence to start the year but if he falters or is injured, Taylor might very well be up to the job.

 

Of course this all assumes Braun will be moved to 1B, a big assumption.

[clancyphile]

He can't stay healthy. As a bench player/DH for the Rangers he missed a month in the middle of the year with a groin strain. He came back in mid-July and about a month later suffered a low back injury, and then strained a hamstring rehabbing the back injury resulting in him missing the final month of the year. Even at 2-4 million per year, he won't cut it in the NL and it would be like throwing money away.

 

Between the 4th of May and June 13, he started 31 games. That may have led to his injuries. As a platoon player, he might start 10 times a month and pinch hit the rest of the time.

 

Boy he raked against LHP though. I've always liked (feared Pence) and I think he fits a need perfectly on this team. The alternative to fill that spot in a platoon with Grisham is Tyrone Taylor. Though the sample size was microscopic, it's impressive that Taylor only fanned one time in 10 major league AB's. It's also noteworthy that Taylor had a breakout August in San Antonio that was almost Grisham-like: .346/.418/.598. So I might take a flyer on Pence to start the year but if he falters or is injured, Taylor might very well be up to the job.

 

Of course this all assumes Braun will be moved to 1B, a big assumption.

 

Get Taylor regular ABs in San Antonio. Grisham was exploding all year.

 

Pence would be a bargain on a one year deal with a team option.

 

He was one of those guys who got away - 40th-round pick of the Brewers in 2002.

[KeithStone53151]

I wouldn't mind Pence as 4th/5th OF. He really only makes sense if Braun moves to 1b though and if he's inexpensive. I get the sense plenty of other teams could use him in a similar role though...and I would think he'd be inclined to pick a different spot, possibly one with a DH option available.