Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 30
Next
Mandatory Credit: Mitchell Layton-Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Mitchell Layton-Getty Images /

Baltimore Orioles: SS J.J. Hardy

Over his first three seasons with the Orioles, Hardy hit 30, 22 and 25 home runs while also winning two Gold Gloves for his excellent defensive work at shortstop. But in the three seasons since he has totaled just 26 home runs, with injuries a big factor over the last two seasons in particular. Not surprisingly, all things considered, advanced defensive metrics have also not looked kindly on Hardy over the last two seasons.

Hardy came into spring training apparently fully healthy, which is obviously good news. But a back issue that was originally called an illness took him out of workouts early on, and though he’s expected to back doing baseball activities at some point soon any injury is a concern entering his age-35 season.

The Orioles have plenty of power in their lineup, so a return to 20-25 home runs is not necessarily needed from Hardy. But the internal shortstop options behind him are not great right now (Robert Andino, Paul Janish, etc.), so Hardy’s ability to stay in the lineup and offer some level of stability at a premium position will be key for Baltimore this year. There’s quite a bit a stake for Hardy in 2017 too, as the Orioles carry a $14 million club option on him for 2018 with a $2 million buyout.

Home/MLB