Three MLB Center Fielders Ready to Become Stars in 2017
By Tim Boyle
Adam Eaton
Not too many MLB center fielders have played as consistently as Adam Eaton has over the past three seasons. The pace at which he gets on base and picks up hits is predictably productive. The last two seasons have been especially successful with eerily similar numbers in each. Overall, though, Eaton’s string of success dates back to 2014 when the Chicago White Sox handed him the everyday job in center field. He has not looked back since while slashing .290/.362/.422 in that time.
This year, Eaton will look to continue that trend with the Washington Nationals. His role is not yet fully defined as he may hit as high as number one or as low as seventh. Eaton is versatile like that and someone the Nationals are counting on to produce. After all, they traded a huge package this offseason to get him.
Unlike many in his position, Eaton has never become dependent on his speed. Instead, it’s his bat that does most of the talking. The switch to the National League East may take a little time to adjust. However, given Eaton’s array of talent, he should do just fine and become one of the better center fielders in the National League.