One reason each MLB team can win the World Series in 2017

Nov 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; (from left to right) Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo and center fielder Dexter Fowler and third baseman Kris Bryant and right fielder Jason Heyward celebrate during their World Series parade outside of Wrigley Field on Addison Street. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 27, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) is congratulated in the dugout after scoring against the Kansas City Royals in the fifth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

Minnesota Twins: Dozier hits 40 homers again

Brian Dozier had a season for the ages at second base last season, hitting 42 home runs for an otherwise wildly underwhelming Twins team. After surprising the league by contending right up to the final weekend of the season in 2015, the Twins endured an ugly 2016 campaign, losing 103 games in the process. Pitching was always questionable for Minnesota as they used smoke and mirrors to get to a winning record two years ago, and it completely undid them last year.

Dozier, on the other hand, endured no struggles in 2016, having the best year of his career. Something really clicked for him and his swing, and he hit 28 of his home runs in the second half with a .990 OPS. That is doubly impressive for Dozier, as he had a reputation for fading after the All-Star break throughout his career.

Pitching is still going to be an issue for the Twins in 2017, but the offense could help them to sneak up on the league. If Dozier maintains his ascension to the next level, that will help young hitters like Miguel Sano and Byron Buxton, who have both struggled to reach their full potential so far. This is a team with too much talent to suffer another 100-loss season.

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