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MLB power rankings: Best player on each team

By Brad Berreman

Apr 17, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) during the game against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) during the game against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Red Sox: OF Mookie Betts

After a solid 2015 season (.291, 18 home runs, 77 RBI, 92 runs scored and 21 stolen bases), Betts became a star last season. He led the American League in total bases (359), while posting a .318/.363/.534 slash-line with 31 home runs, 113 RBI, 122 runs scored and 26 stolen bases. If that’s not enough, he also won a Gold Glove while finishing second among right fielders in the junior circuit with 14 outfield assists.

There is a case to be made here for Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts, who plays a more premium position than Betts does in right field. But Betts also stands out by advanced measures, with a 9.5 WAR (via Baseball Reference) last year that put him second among American League position players in that category. So by across the board surface numbers and the all-encompassing Wins Above Replacement, Betts was one of the best players in all of baseball last year.

A flu bug which ran rampant through the Red Sox clubhouse limited Betts some near the start of the season, but it’s only a matter of time before he gets fully back on track. At 24 years old, the present looks just as bright as the future for Betts.

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