Fansided

Top 25 MLB players to watch in October

By Joshua Sadlock

SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 1: Clayton Kershaw (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 1: Clayton Kershaw (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 15: Yasiel Puig #66 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates hitting a solo home run n the second inning during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 15, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 15: Yasiel Puig #66 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates hitting a solo home run n the second inning during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 15, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

14. Yasiel Puig

After two years in the wilderness, Yasiel Puig is living up to the massive hype that followed him from the minor leagues to Los Angeles. The Dodgers right fielder is having his best full season since 2014 and has already or will set career highs in home runs, RBI, slugging and stolen bases. He is quietly putting together a season worthy of consideration for NL Comeback Player of the Year. Puig is hitting .264/.348/.491 on the year with 26 home runs and 69 RBI while playing strong defense in right field.

The 2017 season has been devoid of drama and controversy for Puig. At 26, it may have clicked for him that it’s time to put up or shut up. He shook off terrible months of April and May to stake a claim to a full-time spot in the crowded Los Angeles outfield.

Puig has hit .286/.387/.554 for the Dodgers in the second half and is one of the biggest difference makers in a lineup that is consistent but lacks the firepower to match teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks or Washington Nationals run for run.

Manager Dave Roberts has penciled Puig in up and down his lineup, and he has responded regardless of where he is hitting in the lineup. His best production has actually come while hitting in the lower third of the order. Puig has settled in the five-hole for now, but can move up and down to help the team find the best matchups.

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