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MLB 2017: One X-factor for each team

By Brad Berreman

September 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) runs after he hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sport
September 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) runs after he hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sport /
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Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule Jr.-Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule Jr.-Getty Images /

Kansas City Royals: 3B Mike Moustakas

“Moose” had an injury-riddled 2016 season, with a fractured left thumb and then a torn right ACL in May limiting him to 27 games (104 at-bats), seven home runs and 13 RBI. He earned the first All-Star selection of his career back in 2015, with a .284/.348/.470 slash-line, 22 home runs and 82 RBI, so entering the final year of his contract 2017 is a critical season for Moustakas.

The Royals have a couple other key players entering their contract year, in first baseman Eric Hosmer and center fielder Lorenzo Cain, but a strong argument can be made that Moustakas is equally as important to any chance the team has to rebound back to playoff contention this year. I would actually make the case Moustakas is the most important player for Kansas City, with the unproven Hunter Dozier as is back up. A significant drop-off is virtually assured if Moustakas misses substantial time again.

Moustakas, as expected less than a year removed from his torn ACL, is being brought along slowly thus far in spring training. But if he can say healthy, a walk-year motivated Moustakas is an obvious huge x-factor for the Royals in 2017.

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