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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: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Cincinnati Reds: 1B Joey Votto

As the Reds shed veteran players and look to rebuild, Votto remains in place at 33 years old with at least seven seasons left on a big contract. After being limited to 62 games by a left quadricep injury in 2014, Votto has rebounded back toward his customary numbers in each of the last two seasons. Over the literal second half of the 2015 and 2016 seasons, Votto totaled 30 home runs and 99 RBI.

Votto has drawn criticism for being too patient a hitter throughout his career, righty or wrongly when considering possible alternatives, but any remaining “Moneyball” believers have seen his value all along. He has led the National League in on-base percentage five times in the last seven seasons, with a second place finish in 2015 (.459). As could be expected, Votto has an OPS of at least .926 in six of the last seven seasons.

Votto is off to a bit of  a slow start this year, with a .208/.291/.458 slash-line, three home runs and six RBI entering action this past Monday (April 17). But he should again get to his typical production, one way or another before long, and Votto has an approach that should allow his offense to age well as he enters his mid and late 30’s. The Reds may eventually have a better player to supplant him on this list, but Votto is clearly the team’s best player at this point.

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