Dee Gordon – Miami Marlins
Gordon appeared in 145 games in 2015, hitting .333/.359/.418 with a league-leading 205 hits, 24 doubles, eight triples, four home runs, 88 runs, 46 RBIs, a league-leading 58 stolen bases (78 attempts), 25 walks, and 91 strikeouts with an OPS+ of 114 over 653 plate appearances.
When the Marlins traded for Gordon prior to the 2015 season, it was a moved that added to the hype surrounding Giancarlo Stanton’s record-setting $325 million contract. In addition to Gordon and Stanton, the team was expected to take a step forward and compete for a division title. While Stanton spent 88 games on the DL and the rest of the team failed to live up to expectations, Gordon stepped forward and solidified himself as one of the top leadoff men in all of baseball.
Gordon won the National League batting title in 2015, earning a second career All-Star selection as well as his first ever Silver Slugger and Gold Glove Awards. He led all players in stolen bases and found himself on the highlight reel for his defensive efforts on a nightly basis. The Marlins recognized his talent level after only one year with the team, signing him to a $50 million extension this offseason.
The National League East is fairly crowded at the second base position. While Cesar Hernandez and Jace Peterson work to make a name for themselves with developing teams, Daniel Murphy and Neil Walker will be hoping to play integral parts of their own respective playoff runs. While Dee Gordon’s playoff chances may be in limbo, he can at least rest easy with the satisfaction of knowing that he is the best second baseman in the NL East.
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