This seems to be a rather plausible prediction. Between AAA and MLB last season, DeJong hit 38 bombs in 156 games. It stands to reason that he could easily hit a couple more along the way. Many people expect DeJong to regress a bit over his spectacular 2017 rookie season, but through 4 games DeJong is starting off strong with a .467 AVG and 3 HR’s.
He is seeing the ball well and making good contact. It is highly unlikely he will keep up at this torrid rate for the entire season, but I think that he will have a solid season. I predict a .305 average and 41 HR playing 155 games this season. This hot start should continue for a few more games, and he should return back to Earth. However, I do think he will be more selective throughout the year and will cut down on his strikeouts. Last season we saw Aledmys Diaz struggle after a good rookie season, but it seems DeJong is going to fare much better.
MLB on Twitter
Three homers in two games. @RealPaulDeJong doesn’t believe in the sophomore slump. https://t.co/wgX4KZPc05
This season will go to show that the Cardinals got a steal signing DeJong to a 6-year $26M extension. He is a solid defender and is showing that he can hit in the Majors at an elite level. I think he will be in the MVP conversation with the type of season I expect him to have. The National League is stacked with good hitters but if DeJong hits 40 homers, he should get some votes. He is a good enough fielder that it should help his chances.
Thanks for reading!
Aaron M.
Want to talk some baseball? Feel free to email me at [email protected]
