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5 MLB Players Due for Bounce back Seasons in 2016

By Nick Fustor

August 13, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) reacts after striking out in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
August 13, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) reacts after striking out in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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4. Jeff Samardzija – SFG

Jeff Samardzija never fit with the Chicago White Sox, but can be a force in the middle of the San Francisco Giants rotation.  Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jeff Samardzija never fit with the Chicago White Sox, but can be a force in the middle of the San Francisco Giants rotation.  Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Projected Stats: 12-10, 211 IP, 3.62 ERA, 3.38 FIP, 3.9 WAR

When the Chicago White Sox acquired Jeff Samardzija in an offseason trade with the Oakland Athletics, it was expected that they’d be receiving a viable number two starter with ace potential.  But things quickly changed when Samardzija seemingly lost his ability to consistently strike batters out – something he had become accustomed to throughout his seven-year career.

Whereas his strikeout rate never dipped below 20 percent in his three full seasons in the league, he struggled to strikeout 18 percent of batters faced in 2015.  His K/9 dropped from 8.28 in 2014 to 6.86 in 2015, while his walks also increased.

Many of Samardzija’s struggles last season can be attributed to his failure to generate ground ball outs.  In 2013 and 2014, the righty managed to get over 48 percent of batters faced to ground out – but that number dropped to 39 percent last season.  While a 4.96 ERA looks bad on the surface, his 4.23 FIP is a sign that he can at least return to being an average major league starter.

With his consistent ability to surpass 200 innings, Samardzija will continue to be a coveted starter in the big leagues.  Now in San Francisco as the likely third starter, Samardzija has the tools and coaching staff to help him succeed.

Next: Number 3

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