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MLB: Top 50 Players In Major League Baseball Right Now

By Katrina Hamrick

Aug 1, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 1, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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#48 – Eric Hosmer, 1B, Kansas City Royals

Okay, maybe it was wrong to say that players’ past performances wouldn’t count towards this ranking. Eric Hosmer is another All-Star player who has had a bit of a rough season, but has managed to remain above-average even in a down year. Similar to Andrew McCutchen, Hosmer has 15 home runs as well as five stolen bases.

He also has 62 RBIs, and has maintained a .770 OPS despite some pretty intense struggles surrounding the All-Star break. In recent games, he has seemed to be headed back on track, so there’s reason to believe he will be rising up this list in the near future. Hosmer is easily the most talented hitter on the Royals’ roster, and won the All-Star MVP Award last month for his contributions in the midsummer classic.

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#47 – Aaron Sanchez, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays

For Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Aaron Sanchez, the 2016 season has been about staying healthy and getting his first real shot in the rotation. After posting a 1.09 ERA in 24 relief appearances in 2014, Sanchez had a solid 2015 season, filling in both as a starter and out of the bullpen.

In 2016, he’s made his presence known in a big way. Sanchez was selected to his first All-Star game, and has the third-best ERA in the American League, at 2.85. He’s struck out 121 batters in 145.1 innings, as he’s earned an 11-2 record.

Sanchez is only getting better, too. He’s allowed just 11 earned runs in his last seven starts, making him one of the most difficult pitchers in baseball to score on.

Next: The Top 50 Right Now: #46 and #45

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