MLB: Ranking the Top Five Offenses
By Jason Reed
In this year’s MLB offseason, the most depth has lied within the offense. Although guys like Edwin Encarnacion and Mark Trumbo haven’t signed yet, some moves have still altered the offensive landscape of MLB.
Like with the starting rotation, the offensive production for any MLB team is a major key to success. Although it is not everything, the teams that can hit the baseball situationally along with putting together a decent pitching staff are oftentimes the World Series champions. Clubs don’t need to bash an endless amount of home runs like the Orioles; instead, they come up big on offense when they need it most. This is why the Chicago Cubs were so successful. They had so many bats ready to step up and get the next big hit.
Heading into 2017, there are promising offenses that look ready to mirror the Cubs’ success in 2017. Some teams have already brought new guys in, and some are still coping with the losses of players and attempting to fill a void. There are still a lot of moves left on the table, so ranking the best offenses may be a bit premature. All it takes is a team to sign a superstar such as Mark Trumbo or Edwin Encarnacion and they may catapult themselves into contention. Regardless, a ranking of the five best offenses can still be done today.
Whether it be contact, power, or situational hitting, each team excels for different reasons. Some teams have mastered the art of station to station, getting multiple runners on base. Others have mastered the power game, relying on big blasts to get the job done. But the best teams are a good blend of both. Basing performance on situation, coming up with base knocks early and the big bombs when needed is the mark of a truly special offensive unit.