The 2017 MLB season will receive a lot of its production from the big name players, but what about players that we don’t much about? Who will step up and shock the world in 2017? I think these ten NL and AL West players could have something to say during the course of this season.
Gerardo Parra-Colorado Rockies– The 29-year old does a little bit of everything. Parra steals bases, drives home runs and he can hit for average. In 2016, Parra had a slugging percentage of .399, clearly, the guy has some pop and isn’t afraid to show in The Show. I like his versatility. Over the course of his 9-year career, Parra has played every outfield position. He has committed only 37 errors in 1,027 career games.
Derek Law-San Francisco Giant– The Giants need to find future gems in their bullpen. Law can fit the bill. In his rookie year, the right-hander posted a 2.13 ERA in 61 games. He allowed only 9 walks and 3 homers in 55 innings. Law will get plenty opportunities to showcase his arsenal of pitches in 2017 and beyond if he keeps playing like an all star.
Lance McCullers-Houston Astros– The Tampa native showed us he had the ability to succeed as a member of Houston’s rotation in 2016 and 2015. But, the Astros need him to amp his game up in order to reach new heights. McCullers had a 3.22 ERA in each of his first two seasons in the MLB. In 206.2 innings, he only gave up 88 free passes and 15 dingers. Mr. McCullers struck out 235 batters during that span.
Ryon Healy-Oakland Athletics– Healy can contribute in the MLB and he demonstrated that by smacking 13 homers and 20 doubles in 2016. He hit .305 with a slugging percentage of .524, which is no laughing matter. Healy has already played first base and third base for the A’s, making him a valuable piece for general manager Billy Bean in case he chooses to part ways with Yonder Alonso or Trevor Plouffe.
Delino DeShields-Texas Rangers– The 24-year-old had 25 stolen bases in 2015, but only had 8 last season. DeShields has the tools to make an impact in the MLB; he needs more opportunities. In 180 games, he committed only 9 errors and he can play every outfield position.
Andrew Toles-Los Angeles Dodgers– The Georgia native had a batting average of .314 in the 2016 regular season, but the playoffs were a different story. Toles had .364 postseason batting average. He also put up a slugging percentage of .615 versus the Cubs. Toles only had three errors in 312.2 innings while playing all of the outfield position for LA in 2016.
David Peralta- Arizona Diamondbacks– Peralta played in only 48 games due to a right wrist injury. However, he broke out in 2015 and posted a batting average of .286 and drove in 78 runs. Peralta also grabbed 10 triples, 26 doubles, and 144 hits in 149 games during 2015. He’s only 29 years old, so he can still produce in the MLB for the next five years when healthy.
Brandon Maurer-San Diego Padres– Maurer isn’t known for his ERA, but he can do different things. He doesn’t allow many walks and he doesn’t give up the long ball. Maurer captured 13 saves in 2016 and figures to be a key piece for the Padres in 2017.
Tyler Skaggs-Los Angeles Angels– Skaggs hasn’t done much in his MLB career, but a lot of that has to do with him trying to work his way back from injury. The southpaw has only allowed 81 and 27 dingers entering 2017. Skaggs has also shown good strikeout capability. The Halos could use all the help they can get since their rotation hasn’t taken the baseball world by storm in quite some time.
Evan Scribner- Seattle Mariners– Scribner has done well when it comes to not walking guys or giving up the long ball. He will look to bounce back this season after only throwing 14 major league innings in 2016. The M’s will give him plenty of chances to show his worth, especially since most of their bullpen pitchers have more question marks than anything.