Fansided

Best player on every MLB team

By Matt Whitener

Aug 24, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) looks on from the dugout during the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 24, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) looks on from the dugout during the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 28, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer (22) against the Kansas City Royals at Tropicana Field. Kansas City Royals defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer (22) against the Kansas City Royals at Tropicana Field. Kansas City Royals defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Tampa Bay Rays—Chris Archer

There is a point in every young, talented pitcher who takes that step towards becoming an elite presence on the mound has that season where it all begins to come together. When clear talent meets results on an every outing basis. That season was 2015 for Chris Archer, when he made the climb to top of the Rays’ staff and in turn gave an effort that made him a first-time All-Star and a top five finisher in the AL Cy Young award vote.

Along the way, he put his dizzying collection of sharp breaking balls and split-second heat (often surpassing 95 mph) to work towards piling up 252 strikeouts, the second best total in AL behind Chris Sale. Overall, he reached double-digit strikeout figures a third of his starts on the year, while also holding batters to a .220 average against him, the fifth lowest total in the AL.

What is more is that Archer is also a burgeoning personality within the game as well. He put his affable personality on display while providing analysis during the American League Championship Series broadcasts. In addition, he has a major presence in the MLB youth outreach programs as well, showing the well-rounded nature of one of baseball’s brightest emerging stars.

Next: Texas Rangers: Cole Hamels

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