Top 10 MLB bounceback candidates for 2017

Oct 13, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) hits a sacrifice fly during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game five of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball game at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 20, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) watches his solo home run during the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Giancarlo Stanton

It seems as though Giancarlo Stanton has been on the comeback trail for the better part of two seasons. After suffering a scary beaning at the end of the 2014 season, Stanton has battled hand and groin injuries. He has been limited to just 193 games over the past two years.

When he has been on the field, Stanton has been inconsistent. He has slashed .250/.334/.536 with 54 home runs and 191 RBI. He has also struck out 235 times. Stanton struck out over 30 times in each of the first three months last season, but appeared to find some more comfort at the plate in the second half before injuries cut his season short.

In his seven-year career, Stanton has played in 150 games or more just once. The beaning was out of his control, but he may still be dealing with the aftereffects of it. It has taken him a long time to appear comfortable in the batters box, even with a face shield on his helmet. Now in the third year of his $325-million contract, Stanton needs to have a healthy season. He still boasts the best raw power in baseball, and his laser-beam homers are a sight to behold.

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