As the 2017 Major league baseball season is almost upon us it's only fitting we look at preseason awards to be won. The first one I will make guesses for is the National League Comeback Player of the Year. I have three players all outfielders in mind that I feel that are due to big bounce back years after below their usual standard of play.
3. Cubs Outfielder:
Jayson Heyward had hefty expectations coming into Chicago were not met. The only thing that Heyward can count as a success for the 2016 season was that Chicago broke the curse honestly with really no help from him. I believe Jayson Heyward is an amazing player and has the potential to showcase all five tools. That is why I believe working in the offseason with Barry Bonds, and showing up to spring with a tweaked swing (with Maddon's approval) are all good signs that he is a strong contender with a big 2017 season.
2. Diamondbacks Pitcher:
Zach Greinke was phenomenal in 2015 with one of the lowest ERA marks we had seen from a starting pitcher in a long time at 1.66. However, 2016 all that changed his ERA ballooned to 4.37, and the enormous contract seemed to look like a bust. However, I do believe that 2016 season was an anomaly. Greinke had been domination the National league west from 2013-2015 never posting an ERA over 2.71. Yes, Greinke is not getting younger entering his age 33 season, but I believe he still has a lot in the tank and will be a top-five Cy Young candidate in 2017.
1. Pirates Outfielder:
Andrew McCutchen is one of the most gifted baseball players, but he had a horrible 2016 season for his standards. McCutchen is able to impact a game every night with any of his five tools, and that is why his poor performance impacted the Pirates, so much. McCutchen has been the top 5 in MVP candidacy from 2012-2015, so saying that this potential future Hall of famer is on a downward trend when he just turns 30 is ludicrous in my opinion. Just read this amazing article in the players tribune and doubt McCutchen for the upcoming season. I know I won't.
