Mattingly: Yelich could hit 30+ home runs

Marlins Manager Don Mattingly believes Christian Yelich could hit 30 or more home runs every season, according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald.

Marlins manager Don Mattingly, not prone to hyperbole, told me Tuesday he believes Christian Yelich – who has jumped from seven homers and 44 RBI last season to 19 and 94 — could hit more than 30, with 130 RBI especially if he learns “how to pull the ball in the air to right field.”

He also believes he could hit .330. He’s a .293 career hitter and entered Tuesday hitting .299.

Yelich hit his 20th home run of the season Wednesday and is having a solid year with the Marlins. Over 145 games, Yelich is batting .300/.375/.480 with 94 RBIs.

Though Yelich hasn’t hit 20 home runs before this season, he is projected as a three or four hitter in Miami’s lineup. However, since Giancarlo Stanton and Marcell Ozuna provide power, the spotlight hasn’t been on Yelich.

Yelich is having the best overall season of his career with the Marlins and is a part of what the Marlins deem one of the best young outfields in baseball. He is also part of the club’s longterm future after signing a seven-year extension in 2015.

As Yelich continues to gain experience, he could become more of a power threat. However, he seems to be already emerging as one.