4. 1B Anthony Rizzo – Chicago Cubs
Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
Anthony Rizzo may be on the brink of Wheatie-brand name status. He has the ability to reach the next step in a 2015 campaign where the Cubs believe they can contend for a postseason spot.
Rizzo put forth a 32 home run season with a .386 OBP to match in 2014 and finished 10th in the NL MVP vote. Rizzo will be called upon once again this year to be the anchor of a youthful Cubs lineup that will be competing in a division that is largely believed to be up for grabs in 2015. The Northside Chicago youth movement may be Rizzo’s largest road block on his path to the MVP award, or it could be his greatest ally.
FanSided
He will need to have a good supporting cast of hitters, and as the Cubs continue to wait for the impending Kris Bryant call up, Rizzo lacks the supporting cast he needs. The Cubs are desperate for a hitter that can stay above the .290 line throughout the year, desperate for consistent lead-off hitting, and desperate for power that does not strike out every game. Each part would be crucial in drawing the pitches Rizzo will need to power himself to his ceiling for success.
He will need to show consistency and continue to build up his batting average (.233 in 2013 and .286 in 2014), maintain a strong OPS (.913 in 2014), and continue to play a solid first base (.993 fielding percentage in 2014)., All these things considederd, Rizzo is a likely dark horse competitor for the 2015 NL MVP.
Next: Devin Mesoraco