Washington Nationals: Where Daniel Murphy Ranks Among NL East 2nd Basemen

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Apr 18, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon (9) tags out Washington Nationals center fielder Michael Taylor (3) at second base during the seventh inning of a game against the at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Dee Gordon (MIA)

2016 stats: .268/.305/.335, one home run, 14 RBI’s, 30 stolen bases in 79 games

In late April last season, Gordon was suspended 80 games for PED use. Before the suspension, he was hitting .266 with five RBI’s and was 6-for-8 in stolen bases. Once he came back, Gordon hit .268 in the second half of the season.

The one home run that Gordon hit last season ended up being one of the moments of last season. In the first Marlins game played after the tragic death of Jose Fernandez, he hit a solo home run to lead off the bottom of the first inning against the Mets.

Despite playing in just 79 games, the 28-year-old (turns 29 in April) was one of the best base stealers in the National League. His 30 stolen bases were the second most among NL second baseman (Jean Segura of the Diamondbacks led with 33).

In the field, Gordon made seven errors in 78 games in 2016, which is one more than he made in 145 games back in 2015. However, if you go by his defensive runs saved number from 2015, he is one of the better defenders in the league. His 13 runs saved were the highest among NL second basemen (Fangraphs).

Gordon is just one year removed from leading the entire NL in hits with 205 and having 58 steals (122 stolen bases combined in 2014 and 2015). If Miami is going to contend, they need Gordon to be on the field at an everyday basis.

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