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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: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Cubs: 3B Kris Bryant

The Cubs ended their lengthy World Series drought last year, and Bryant had himself an MVP campaign as one of the key cogs (.292/.385/.554, 39 home runs, 102 RBI, 121 runs scored). Through two seasons in the big leagues, he now has a Rookie of the Year award, an MVP and two All-Star selections to his credit.

The Cubs have a roster full of versatile players for manager Joe Maddon to mix and match around the diamond, and Bryant is no different. He of course primarily plays third base (107 games-100 starts in 2016), but he also started 36 games in left field,12 games in right field and six games at first base last season. So far this season, Bryant has played some center field and shortstop (an inning each, as of this writing).

The Cubs have a laundry list of players who can be, or will eventually be, plenty worthy of consideration as the best player on the team. But I’ve got to go with Bryant, who is just starting to justify his lofty draft status (No. 2 overall in 2013). Barring a career-altering injury, he will be one of the best players around for a long time to come.

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