Arizona Diamondbacks: A.J. Pollock Expectations for 2017

After missing almost the entire 2016 season, Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder A.J. Pollock enters 2017 with high expectations.

One of the big reasons the Arizona Diamondbacks struggled last year is because they were minus their star center fielder, A.J. Pollock. Pollock suffered a Spring Training injury that sidelined him for all but 12 games. This injury was a huge blow to the Diamondbacks who began the year with very high aspirations. Now with Pollock fully healthy, what should we expect from him in 2017?

For many, Pollock is classified as a star player. This is true even with only one season to really prove his worthiness of the title. His mix of speed, power, and Gold Glove-worthy defense are admirable and something that should help Arizona plenty this season.

The 2015 season was a terrific one for Pollock. He hit .315/.367/.498 while setting multiple career highs. His 20 home runs and 39 stolen bases were a great balance. On another team, Pollock is a guy who could hit third.

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As a guy who was drafted before Mike Trout in 2009, the pressure is certainly on for Pollock to perform. It definitely took him a little longer than many of his peers. It’s hard to believe that he is already entering his age 29 season.

The 2016 season is not the only where Pollock’s health delayed his rise to stardom. He played only about half a season in 2014 when he appeared in 75 games for the Diamondbacks. It was the first hint of what was to come as Pollock put together a very favorable .302/.363/.498 slash line in the shortened campaign.

Expectations for Pollock this year are mostly reflective of what he did in 2016. Those are lofty goals for to reach as his performance landed him a 14th place finish in the National League MVP voting. Still, at this age, one can assume that he is in his prime. Minus a lingering injury, Pollock should bounce back for a terrific year.

Hitting at the top of the Diamondbacks lineup should definitely help Pollock in at least one area: runs scored. The offense is fully loaded with some amazing run producers behind him. Exactly where Pollock hits in the order has yet to be determined. Based on his speed, we can assume he gets his at-bats batting first or second.

Regardless of which of those two places he lands, Pollock has an opportunity to put up amazing numbers. If he gets on base regularly, the Diamondbacks will let him run. He is already averaging 92 runs scored per 162 games in his relatively young career. This is not completely thanks to his own skills, However, if not for his ability to get on base regularly, Pollock would not have grown so familiar with scoring runs.

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For all we know, the half year in 2014 and amazing 2015 campaign were seasons he cannot repeat. While a slight regression is possible, expect another productive year from Pollock as he looks to make up for the lost 2016 season. Clearly, if he was able to make it back to play at all last year when few thought he would, Pollock at least has a little heart.