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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: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Colorado Rockies: 3B Nolan Arenado

After leading the National League in home runs (42), RBI (130) and total bases )(354) in 2015, Arenado came back and did it again in 2016 with 41 home runs, 133 RBI and 352 total bases. Add two straight All-Star selections, two Silver Sluggers and four straight Gold Gloves upon his arrival in the big leagues, and you have the best player casual baseball fans are not aware of.

Arenado’s general anonymity around the baseball world would change if the Rockies were a better team, and they were atop the National League West with a 9-5 record entering this week. The cliché about it being early in the season is obvious, but if the Rockies stay afloat toward the top of the standings deep into the summer Arenado’s star profile should change.

Arenado has picked up where he left off early this season, in the batter’s box as well as defensively at the hot corner, and he just turned 26 with plenty of prime years left. A big contract is in his future, but the Rockies can worry about that on their terms with Arenado in their control for three more seasons. In time, he will be one of the highest-paid players in baseball with a paycheck to match his talent level.

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