MLB: Injured Players That Will Make an Impact in 2017
By Jason Reed
Mike Moustakas
After the Royals won the 2015 World Series, Mike Moustakas gained a tremendous amount of credibility. Moustakas was an All-Star in 2015, slugging his way to a .283 average with 22 homers and 82 runs batted in. The young third baseman seemed poised for a fantastic future after winning championship gold at just 27 years old. Despite all this, it seems as if the baseball world has forgotten about him.
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Moustakas suffered a fractured thumb on May 5 that left him out for two weeks. Upon returning, he suffered a torn ACL in only his second game back. This ended Moustakas’ season, as he only played 27 games. After this, it seemed as if Moustakas’ popularity had diminished outside of Kansas City, due in large part to a somewhat underwhelming start to 2016.
Don’t expect any of that to hinder Moustakas’ output in 2017. I believe that Moustakas will come back hungrier than ever, determined to lead the Royals back into October. Especially coming off a disappointing 2016 campaign, Moustakas will help right the ship in Kansas City. Expect him to make a huge impact, to return to All-Star form, and to become one of the best third baseman in baseball. Is it a bold statement? Absolutely, but the potential and ability that shines through Moustakas can’t be ignored.
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Hopefully, these four players aren’t the only ones who rebound for successful 2017 MLB seasons. The game of baseball seems to be seeing more injuries than ever. However, the treatment of these injuries is also better than it’s ever been. Whether it’s all season, or a late year push, expect these names to make an impact in 2017. After all, they will all come back with something to prove.