AJ Pollock is a well-known outfielder in Major League Baseball who has had a successful career playing for several different teams. Over the years, he has been known for his solid offensive performance and his impressive defensive abilities.
However, as he has gotten older and battled injuries, some fans and analysts have questioned whether he is still as good as he once was. In this blog post, we will examine the various aspects of Pollock’s game to determine just how good he is and whether he is still a valuable asset to any team.
We will explore his offensive and defensive stats, injury history, and compare him to other players in the league. By the end of this post, readers will have a better understanding of just how good AJ Pollock is as a player.
Offensive Stats
Batting Average
AJ Pollock has a career batting average of .275, which is a solid number for a Major League player. However, his batting average has fluctuated over the years, with his best season coming in 2015 when he hit .315.
In recent years, his batting average has dipped slightly, but he remains a reliable hitter with a good eye at the plate.
Home Runs
Pollock has hit 123 home runs over the course of his career, which is a respectable number for a player who has spent much of his time hitting near the top of the order.
His best season for home runs came in 2015, when he hit 20, and he has hit double-digit home runs in several other seasons as well.
Runs Batted in
Pollock has driven in 471 runs during his career, which is a decent number for a player who has spent much of his time hitting near the top of the order.
His best season for RBI came in 2015, when he drove in 76 runs, and he has driven in at least 40 runs in seven different seasons.
Other Notable Offensive Stats
Pollock has shown good speed on the basepaths throughout his career, stealing 112 bases at a success rate of over 80%. He has also been a solid doubles hitter, hitting at least 25 doubles in five different seasons.
In addition, he has posted a career on-base percentage of .332, showing that he has a good eye at the plate and is able to get on base at a solid clip.
Defensive Abilities
Experience Playing All Three Outfield Positions
AJ Pollock has experience playing all three outfield positions, having played primarily center field earlier in his career before shifting to left field in recent years.
This versatility is a valuable asset for any team, as it allows managers to move him around the outfield as needed to optimize their defensive alignment.
Past Performance as an Elite Defender
Earlier in his career, Pollock was known for his elite defensive abilities, particularly in center field. He won a Gold Glove award in 2015 for his defensive performance, which included making several highlight-reel catches and playing a key role in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ success that season.
Recent Defensive Performance
While Pollock may not be considered an elite defender at this point in his career, he remains a solid outfielder with good instincts and decent range.
In recent years, he has primarily played left field, where he has made several impressive plays and has shown good awareness and positioning. He has also been reliable in terms of making routine plays and limiting mistakes in the field.
Overall, while he may not be as flashy as he once was, Pollock remains a valuable defensive asset for any team.
Injury History
AJ Pollock has unfortunately had a history of injuries throughout his career. In 2010, he missed significant time due to a broken elbow, and in 2016 he fractured his elbow again, causing him to miss most of the season.
In 2017, he suffered a significant groin injury that required surgery, and in 2019 he dealt with a number of different injuries, including an elbow infection and a strained groin.
While he has been able to play through some injuries, others have forced him to miss significant time on the field.
How Injuries Have Impacted His Performance?
Pollock’s injuries have undoubtedly impacted his performance over the years. When he has been healthy, he has shown himself to be a reliable and productive player, but injuries have often limited his playing time and impacted his ability to perform at his best.
In some cases, he has struggled to regain his form after returning from injury, leading to prolonged slumps at the plate or subpar defensive performances.
Despite these challenges, Pollock has shown resilience and determination in continuing to play through injuries and work to regain his form, and he remains a valuable contributor to any team when healthy.
Comparisons to Other Players
AJ Pollock stacks up well compared to other outfielders in the league. While he may not be considered among the very top tier of outfielders, he is certainly a solid contributor who can provide both offensive and defensive value.
In terms of offensive production, he compares favorably to players like Michael Brantley and Andrew Benintendi, who have similar batting averages and home run and RBI totals.
Defensively, he is not quite at the level of elite outfielders like Jackie Bradley Jr. or Kevin Kiermaier, but he is certainly capable of making solid plays and contributing to a team’s defensive effort.
Comparison to Past Players With Similar Stats
When looking at players from the past who have had similar offensive production to Pollock, one name that comes to mind is Juan Pierre. Both players have similar career batting averages and stolen base totals, and while Pierre was not known for his power hitting, he was a reliable contributor on offense and a solid defender in the outfield.
Other players who have had similar levels of offensive production include Dexter Fowler and Denard Span, who have both had solid careers as reliable outfielders who can contribute in a variety of ways.
While Pollock may not have the name recognition of some of the great outfielders of the past, he certainly stacks up well compared to many other players who have had successful careers in the outfield.
Overall Value to a Team
How Pollock Contributes to His Team’s Success?
AJ Pollock provides a valuable contribution to any team that he plays for. Offensively, he is a consistent producer who can hit for average and power, and he has the ability to drive in runs and get on base.
Defensively, he is a versatile outfielder who can play all three positions and make solid plays in the field. Additionally, he is a smart and experienced player who can help lead a team both on and off the field.
His Value Beyond Just Stats
Pollock’s value to a team goes beyond just his statistics. He is a respected veteran who can provide leadership and guidance to younger players, and he is known for his professionalism and strong work ethic.
He is also a reliable and consistent performer who can be counted on to deliver in clutch situations, and he is a team player who is willing to do whatever is needed to help his team succeed.
Overall, while his statistics are certainly impressive, Pollock’s true value to a team lies in his intangibles: his experience, his leadership, and his commitment to doing whatever it takes to help his team win.
AJ Pollock’s offensive statistics from the past three seasons:
| Statistic | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batting Average (AVG) | .266 | .276 | .307 |
| On-Base Percentage (OBP) | .327 | .314 | .367 |
| Slugging Percentage (SLG) | .468 | .566 | .495 |
| Home Runs (HR) | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| Runs Batted In (RBI) | 47 | 34 | 34 |
This table shows that Pollock had a strong offensive season in 2020, with a high slugging percentage and a relatively high batting average.
While his numbers dipped slightly in 2019 and 2021, he still managed to hit double-digit home runs and drive in a significant number of runs.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate that Pollock is a solid offensive contributor who can help his team score runs and win games.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many All-Star appearances does AJ Pollock have?
Pollock has been named to one All-Star team in his career, in 2015 when he hit .315 with 20 home runs and 76 RBIs for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
What is AJ Pollock’s contract situation?
Pollock signed a four-year, $55 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers prior to the 2019 season. The deal includes an opt-out clause after the 2021 season.
Has AJ Pollock won any awards or accolades during his career?
In addition to his All-Star selection in 2015, Pollock has won a Gold Glove award (in 2015) and a Silver Slugger award (in 2018). He was also a finalist for the National League Comeback Player of the Year award in 2018.
What is AJ Pollock’s career batting average?
As of the end of the 2021 season, Pollock has a career batting average of .278.
How does AJ Pollock perform in clutch situations?
Pollock has a reputation as a reliable performer in clutch situations. During the 2020 postseason, for example, he hit .333 with four home runs and 11 RBIs, helping the Dodgers win the World Series. Overall, he has a career batting average of .284 with runners in scoring position.
To Recap
AJ Pollock is a valuable player who provides a solid combination of offensive and defensive production, as well as leadership and intangibles that go beyond just his stats.
While he has dealt with injuries throughout his career, he has shown a remarkable ability to bounce back and continue to perform at a high level.
Whether playing in the outfield or serving as a mentor to younger players, Pollock is a valuable contributor to any team that he plays for.
While he may not be considered among the very top tier of outfielders in the league, he is certainly a reliable and consistent performer who can help his team win in a variety of ways.
Overall, AJ Pollock is a valuable asset to any team that is fortunate enough to have him on their roster.
