Honorable Mentions
A.J. Pollock
Arguably a top-five outfielder in the game, a fractured elbow will likely keep Pollock out for an extended period of time this season. When he returns though, he should continue his ascendance as one of the premiere center fielders in baseball.
Carlos Gonzalez
After dealing with injuries for much of 2013 and 2014, Carlos Gonzalez bounced back in a big way last season as he mashed 40 home runs and re-emerged as one of the faces of a downtrodden Colorado Rockies franchise.
Curtis Granderson
While Curtis Granderson will never be the player he was with the New York Yankees, he’s a consistent power source in a young New York Mets lineup. With improved plate discipline last season, Granderson should have a smooth decline as he enters his age 35 season.
Adam Eaton
In the first fully healthy season of his major league career, Adam Eaton did not disappoint. Now with added power, Eaton is a solid leadoff hitter with the ability to steal bases and get on base in a variety of ways.
Odubel Herrera
After making the jump to the majors from Double-A with the Philadelphia Phillies as a Rule 5 Draft pick, Odubel Herrera quickly emerged as one of the best players on the team. His plate discipline will need to improve, but he boasts solid speed and just enough power to get by as an above-average center fielder.
Carlos Gomez
While Carlos Gomez struggled after being traded to the Houston Astros last season, he was considered an MVP candidate as early as two seasons ago and still represents one of the better power-speed combos in baseball. At 30, Gomez is in the midst of his prime and should be poised to bounceback.
Alex Gordon
While it seemed as if Alex Gordon was ready to move on from the Kansas City Royals during the offseason, he re-upped with the team and looks poised to help the team build a dynasty. As a player that can do it all, Gordon’s value to the Royals is unquestioned.