MLB: Ten Players Who Have Surprised With Their Home Run Power

10. Sean Rodriguez: 18 (PIT)

In 1,865 career at bats prior to 2016, the Pirates utility man hit 49 career home runs, good for one per 38.06 AB. This year, Rodriguez has hit 18 long ones in part time duty. With 289 AB, his HR/AB has improved to 16.06.

An upcoming free agent, Rodriguez has considerably improved his stock in his walk year, and should receive a ton of interest on the open market. The Pirates have been rumored to be making a push to resign him before he can negotiate with other teams. Without an easy starting spot on the Pirates, the fiery infielder may be able to find a better opportunity during free agency.

Whether or not he is able to replicate his power remains to be seen, as he had never before topped 12 home runs in his eight years prior to 2016. With 30 home runs in the minors in 2009, and 29 in 2006, the power did not come from nowhere. But most MLB players do not just start hitting home runs out of nowhere which begs the question: where was this power the past eight years in the big leagues?

With a career high HR/FB of 25.7 percent, the power surge may seem like a fluke. At the same time, Rodriguez has a career high hard-hit percentage of 43.2 percent, evidence that this home run showing is sustainable.