Call to the pen
Fansided

MLB Players Who Could Win Comeback Player of the Year in 2017

By Anthony Sosa

Sep 13, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) in action against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Pittsburgh Pirates won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) in action against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Pittsburgh Pirates won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 7
Next
David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

AL – Michael Brantley

It certainly feels like forever since Michael Brantley was fully healthy. In 2016, the Indians outfielder played in just 11 games after re-injuring his shoulder in May. Brantley originally injured his shoulder toward the end of the 2015 campaign.

Missing almost the entire 2016 season, Brantley definitely has a good shot at winning Comeback Player of the Year if he puts up similar numbers to his 2014 and 2015 seasons.

Brantley had his best season in 2014. He finished third in the AL MVP voting and made his first and only All-Star game. He hit .327 with 200 hits, 20 home runs, 97 RBI and scored 94 times. His 200-hit season put him just behind Astros second baseman Jose Altuve for most hits that year. He finished in the top-10 in all of the following statistical categories: bating average, on-base percentage, on-base plus slugging, hits, runs scored, doubles and WAR.

Brantley followed up his strong 2014 season, with another good 2015 season. He hit .310 with 15 home runs and 84 RBI. He also led the league in doubles with 45.

Can Brantley finally recover from his shoulder injury in 2017? If so, the Indians might run away with the AL Central and Brantley may run away with the Comeback Player of the Year award.

Home/MLB News