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7. Giancarlo Stanton, OF, Miami Marlins
Perhaps the most powerful player in all of baseball, Miami Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton has a lot to prove going into 2016. After getting off to a hot start in 2015, Stanton missed more than half of the season following a midseason injury (a broken hamate bone). Despite playing in only 74 games, Stanton hit 27 home runs and produced to the tune of a fWAR of 3.8. With that kind of production, expectations are certainly high going into 2016.
There is really not much to say about Stanton at this point. Throughout his six-year career, Stanton has proven himself to be not only one of the best power hitters in all of baseball, but one of the best pure hitters in all of baseball. It’s not too unrealistic to say Stanton could hit over 50 home runs in 2016 if he is able to stay healthy throughout the season. The injury is of at least some concern for the Marlins, but if Stanton can prove he is healthy, he should be poised for a big season.
With the Marlins on the cusp of being a playoff contender, a monster season from Stanton could be enough to propel the Marlins into the thick of playoff contention. After Stanton’s impressive half season last year, expectations are certainly high in Miami. For the Marlins sake, hopefully Stanton can prove those expectations right in 2016.
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