Three MLB Center Fielders Ready to Become Stars in 2017
By Tim Boyle
Starling Marte
The Pittsburgh Pirates will begin the 2017 season with a brand new center fielder. Andrew McCutchen has moved to right field which has opened up the door for Starling Marte to shift over from left field. Although he has already logged parts of five seasons in the big leagues, Marte is poised to reach a new level in 2017. How far can he go?
Last season was his chance to really make a name for himself. Marte missed quite a bit of time, but still made the most of it when healthy. He stole a career high 47 bases while also posting a career-best .311 batting average. Even though he had about 100 fewer plate appearances than he did in 2015, Marte nearly matched his hits total. He fell shy of matching it by only 14 hits.
The 2016 season was a special one for Marte as it was the first time he was selected to the All-Star Game. It was also his second consecutive season where he won a Gold Glove. This year, though, the gifted fielder will hope to flash the leather at a position he is less familiar with. Surely with his speed and other talents Marte will have no problem upgrading from very good to great.