Over/Under 2021 Preview: Bradley Zimmer

Based on ZiPS projections, Bradley Zimmer is expected to finish 2021 with the following stats:

294 PA, 9 HR, 14 SB, 9.2 BB%, 35.0 K%, .212/.307/.365, 75 wRC+, 0.6 fWAR

Read what our writers think, then vote in the poll below and drop your own opinions in the comments and on the Let’s Go Tribe Discord.

Matt Schlichting’s Prediction: UNDER

I like Bradley Zimmer.

He is a fun baseball player. He possesses a single gear, and it often sends him careening across the field or sliding into first base and breaking his hand.

If Bradley Zimmer’s swing changes ever click, he becomes a very good defensive center fielder with exciting power and enough contact to stay in the lineup. Maybe even near the top of the lineup, given his speed.

I don’t see it coming to pass. It’s not because I doubt his abilities or his commitment to the changes. It’s just that his injury track record and the history (or lack thereof) of Cleveland developing outfielders after the year 2014 doesn’t give me much hope in the scope of possible change.

I see Zimmer frustrating us again this season. When he’s healthy and the swing sings, it’s going to be a glorious month. He’ll approach the 0.6 fWAR in those thirty days, no problem. He might even eclipse it.

What worries me is that it might be the only thing we get from him. He might dig a small hole the rest of the way as he battles through pain and adjustments.

IF he stays healthy

IF the swing changes work

IF they stick throughout a full season

IF nobody else beat him out in the outfield for at-bats

Then, he hits the over.

Else, I believe in Zimmer the Ballplayer, but I don’t know if he’s in a situation to make the most of his talents this season. I have to take the under given all of the uncertainty, and I really hope I’m wrong. He’s a fun player.