Puig and Kemp dominate Fangraphs May wRC+ leaderboard for NL outfielders

Phil Gurnee ♦ May 23, 2018 ♦ 1 Comment

Given the Dodgers struggles to win in May it is a big surprise that the Dodgers have three players in the top ten of wRC+ for National League outfielders in the month of May.

It is no surprise the Yasiel Puig is number one on the leaderboard with his 214 wRC+ as he is as hot as any hitter in baseball.  Last night Puig showed off his best stuff, drawing a walk in a fantastic at-bat with the bases loaded, and slamming a big home run later in the game, his fifth of the month.

Much was made about how the Dodgers needed the return of Justin Turner, but it has really been the return of Yasiel Puig that has reignited the offense.

Matt Kemp struggled early in May but is back in a groove and is also in the May top ten wRC+ NL outfielder leaderboard.  Matt Kemp has only hit one home run this month but is collecting lots of doubles and big hits.

I was shocked to see Chris Taylor on the list. His big game last night propelled into the top ten. Granted he is no longer an outfielder but Fangraphs considers him one for now.

On the downside, the center-field platoon of Joc/Kiké is not going well in May and is why Max Muncy is now playing 1st base against right-hand pitching with Cody Bellinger taking over duties in center-field.  Joc has an ISO in May of .113 with zero home runs.

All stats in the table below are from the Fangraphs split tool. The criteria were the month of May, National League Outfielders, at least 40 plate appearances sorted by wRC+.