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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Aug 29, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) rounds the bases on his two run home run in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

Cincinnati Reds: Joey Votto bats .400

Trying to wrangle the Reds into even fringe-contender status is considerably more difficult than it is for the White Sox, and that’s saying something. The Reds are behind the White Sox in their overall rebuild, and have very few useful chips left to trade. Really, all that’s left to hang your hat on in Cincinnati is perennial OBP champ and All-Star first baseman Joey Votto.

In the second half last year, Votto batted .408 for 72 games with a 1.158 OPS. He did all that without much protection in the lineup. The Reds lost 94 games overall in 2016, but went 36-37 after the break. Votto is going to have to come close to putting up a full season batting close to .400 for the Reds to even have a shot at breaking even.

Votto has been one of the most consistent players in baseball over the past 10 seasons, with only two seasons with an OPS below .900 and three over 1.000. If there is one player in baseball capable of having a season for the ages and batting .400, it may be Votto, who is so locked in with his approach at the plate that it doesn’t much matter who is hitting around him in the lineup.

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