Here is an updated list of the top ten catchers in 2016:
- Gary Sanchez
- Buster Posey
- Salvador Perez
- Jonathan Lucroy
- Yadier Molina
- David Ross
- Russell Martin
- Wilson Contreras
- Brian McCann
- Francisco Cervelli
Here is an updated list of the top ten catchers in 2016:
Here is an updated list of the top ten shortstops:
Here is a list of the top ten first basemen of 2016:
Here is an updated list of the top ten third basemen in the game:
Yoenis Cespedes had another great season in 2016. It was his first full season with the New York Mets. In 2015, the Mets acquired Cespedes at the trade deadline and he helped lead them to the World Series. 2016 saw similar numbers. In 132 games, he collected 134 hits, 25 doubles, 72 runs, 86 RBIs, 31 home runs, and 3 stolen bases. He also posted a solid .280 batting average. He helped the Mets get to the Wild Card and he picked up a Silver Slugger at the end of the year.
In the off season of the 2015 season,Wil Myers got traded from the Tampa Bay Rays to the San Diego Padres. For the Rays, Myers played mainly right field. In 2013, he won the Rookie of the Year. The Padres wanted Myers to change positions and become a first baseman. He did, and he played very well. In 157 games played, Myers collected 155 hits, 29 doubles, 99 runs, 94 RBIs, 28 home runs, and 28 stolen bases. He made it to the All Star Team and was the ambassador of the Home Run Derby. The San Diego fans loved and embraced him the entire 2016 season.
Mike Trout had yet another phenomenal season. He won a Silver Slugger, was voted Best Major League Player in the MLB Awards, and won his second MVP in his career. He brought back stolen bases to his game and it payed off. His swiped bags helped him collect 123 runs, enough to lead the American League. He also lead the league in wins above replacement with 10.6 and walks with 116. He also was a solid fixture in the lineup playing 159 out of the 162 games of the regular season. He hit 29 home runs, drove in 100 RBIs for the second time in his career, collect 32 doubles, and steal 30 bases. Critics were talking about Trout’s decrease in stolen bases. In 2014, he stole 16 bases from 33 and in 2015 he only swiped 11. If it weren’t for his stolen bases, he might not have won the MVP. Overall, Mike Trout had a freakishly good season and we can expect many more to come.
The 2016 off season has been more hot than ever. Trade rumors have been spreading rapidly with the weak free agent class. The usual’s have been discussed along with some newcomers. Here are the top five possible trade pieces of the 2016 off season. (Please note publication date)
5. Mike Trout
When a MVP is on a losing team, reporters always gossip about whether or not he will be traded. A deal for Trout with have to include most of the prospects and important everyday players. Although he can change a team, it is highly unlikely he will be dealt.
4. Miguel Cabrera
Cabrera fits into the same category as Trout. Miguel has been great since anybody can remember and he can carry a team on his shoulders. He brings team leadership and a superb bat. He is also unlikely to be seasonably dealt.
3. Chris Sale
After having the incident with cutting up the jerseys, the White Sox would probably be happy to part ways with Sale. He is incredibly nasty and draws comparisons to Randy Johnson. In 2016, Sale took off a few miles off his fastball and started using his other pitches. This went well for Sale as he collected 17 wins. To get Sale, the marketing team would have to give a variety of pitching prospects. The Sox would deeply benefit from a trade as their pitching staff is struggling.
2. Chris Archer
Ah, another Chris. Archer has a nasty slider/fastball combo. Despite this nasty duo, Chris still managed to get 19 losses. He is only 28 and still has room for molding. A team with good pitching coaches would be a good fit for him.
1. Brett Gardner
Coming fresh off a Gold Glove season, Gardner would be great for any team. His veteran status would be great for mentoring prospects and rookies. Also, his mix of speed, defense, and power would boost the quality of a lineup. The Angels would be a good fit for Brett. He has shown exceptional defense at their ballpark and he would be a good fit along Mike Trout. He would be a good lead off hitter in front of Trout and help the Angels score more runs. This trade would benefit the Yankees’ farm system as they are in the middle of a rebuilding mode.
Detroit Tigers’ pitcher Michael Fulmer and Los Angeles Dodgers’ shortstop Corey Seager both won the Rookie of the Year award for 2016. Fulmer was brilliant at the beginning of 2016 but slowed down towards the end. Some analysts thought that rookie Gary Sanchez might take honors due to Fulmer’s slow end. Corey Seager was consistent the entire season and collected over 190 hits and over 40 doubles along with a Silver Slugger.
2016 saw many new Silver Slugger honorees. Along with the newbies, some of the usual made an appearance. Josh Donaldson, Mike Trout, and Jose Altuve all took home some hardware. Even David Ortiz, in his final season, took home the silver. Here are the winners:
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Catcher: Salvador Perez (Royals)
First base: Miguel Cabrera (Tigers)
Second base: Jose Altuve (Astros)
Third base: Josh Donaldson (Blue Jays)
Shortstop: Xander Bogaerts (Red Sox)
Outfield: Mookie Betts (Red Sox)
Outfield: Mike Trout (Angels)
Outfield: Mark Trumbo (Orioles)
Designated hitter: David Ortiz (Red Sox)
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Catcher: Wilson Ramos (Nationals)
First base: Anthony Rizzo (Cubs)
Second base: Daniel Murphy (Nationals)
Third base: Nolan Arenado (Rockies)
Shortstop: Corey Seager (Dodgers)
Outfield: Charlie Blackmon (Rockies)
Outfield: Yoenis Cespedes (Mets)
Outfield: Christian Yelich (Marlins)
Pitcher: Jake Arrieta (Cubs)
From mlb.com