1. Daniel Murphy (WSH)
2016 stats: .347/.390/.595, 25 home runs, 104 RBI’s, five stolen bases in 142 games
It should be no surprise that Murphy ranks as the top second baseman in the division. When Murphy signed with the Nats, people expected him to have a good season, but I don’t think anyone expected him to finish in second place in the voting for NL MVP.
More from District on Deck
- Latest DraftKings Sportsbook Promo Code in Maryland: Bet $5, Win $200 Guaranteed
- Nationals Claim Jeter Downs Off Waivers
- Washington Nationals Minor League Spotlight: Robert Hassell III
- Washington Nationals Tuesday Q&A
- 3 Free Agents the Nationals Should Gamble On
That is exactly what Murphy did. In addition to having a career-high in home runs and RBI’s, he had a league leading 47 doubles and had a .985 OPS. He was able to wreak havoc on his former team as he had a hit in all 19 games against the New York Mets (.413, seven home runs, 21 RBI’s).
If there was one concern about the Murphy signing, it was whether or not he would cost the Nats a game with his defense. His nine errors were three higher than what it was in 2015 and his -9 runs saved was the lowest among all qualified NL second basemen (Fangraphs).
Once the Washington Nationals got to the postseason, Murphy continued to put up great numbers. While it wasn’t the seven home runs he had in New York in 2015, he did hit .438 and drove in six runs against the Dodgers in the NLDS.
Next: Where Is The Urgency From December?
.
If it wasn’t for a buttocks injury in September, Murphy could’ve won the batting title in the NL last year. As he heads into his age 32 season, Murphy should be the same power threat and doubles machine in the middle of the lineup. His consistency makes him the top second baseman in the division.