Three MLB Center Fielders Ready to Become Stars in 2017
By Tim Boyle
Christian Yelich
Miami Marlins’ slugger Giancarlo Stanton continued to fall short of the hype last season. Meanwhile, Christian Yelich became the best offensive weapon on the roster. He launched a career-high 19 home runs while also slashing .298/.376/.483. Yelich became far more than a speedy player who puts the bat on the ball. Last year he developed into a player who can also come up with a big hit and drive in runs.
Opening Day has not arrived yet, but Yelich has already begun to make 2017 a favorable year. He was one of the big contributors on the World Baseball Classic winning Team USA roster. The tournament has exposed him to a few more baseball fans across the world. Surely, enough are now convinced that he is indeed one of the better center fielders in baseball.
Like Marte in Pittsburgh, the move to center field for Yelich is a new one. Teammate Marcell Ozuna had previously been the Marlins’ starter at the position with Yelich receiving most of his playing time in left field. Yelich is not nearly as gifted on defense as Marte, but can still put up positive numbers. Just now entering his age 25 season, he is one of MLB’s top center fielders of the future.