What Rays Players Improved the Most Last Season?

In the 2017 season, the Rays improved their win total from 68 wins in 2016 to 80 wins in 2017. Part of this can be contributed to the improvement of key players such as Corey Dickerson, Steven Souza Jr., Kevin Kiermaier, and Mallex Smith. The progression of these core outfielders in the upcoming seasons will be vital to the success of the team. Lets take a look at how these players, all entering or in the prime of their careers, had significantly improved seasons this past year.

At the age of 27 and entering his 5th season, Kevin Kiermaier had his best year yet in his short MLB career. In his 2017 season, Kiermaier hit .276 with 15 HRs and a .338 OBP, all career highs. This is up from his career worst 2016 season in which he hit a career low .246 and had 12 HRs. In addition to his hitting, Kiermaier has shown he is one of the best defensive CFs in the MLB and that he is indeed a five-tool player. Although injuries have derailed his last two seasons, Kiermaier is definitely capable of hitting .280 with 20+ HRs next season if he continues on this upward trend.

After tearing it up in Colorado in 2014 hitting .312 with 24 HRs, Corey Dickerson had a very disappointing start to his Rays career hitting .245 with 24 HRs. However, Dickerson had a bounce back season in 2017 raising his average to .282 and adding 27 HRs. Although his defense lacks and he best fits as a DH who can occasionally fill in to play in the outfield, Dickerson has proven that he is one of the best and most underrated hitters in the league. At the age of 28, Dickerson is capable of improving and has the potential to hit .300 with 30+ HRs next season if he too continues to improve.

Steven Souza Jr. had a power surge last season, hitting a career high 30 HRs, up from his previous career high of 17 HRs hit in 2016. Souza has improved his power every year in the major leagues so there is no reason why at the age of 28 he can't hit over 30 HRs next season. Despite hitting .247 in 2016, Souza Jr. dropped his average to .239 in 2017. If he can maintain his power and raise his average to around .250, Souza Jr. will become a household name in the MLB.

Lastly, Mallex Smith was a pleasant surprise for the Rays last season in his 2nd season in the MLB. After hitting .238 in his rookie season with the Atlanta Braves, Smith hit .270 with the Rays with a .329 OBP and 16 SB in 81 games. At the young age of 24, Smith has laid a good foundation for further success and may be a fixture in the Rays outfield for many years to come. Smith will get an opportunity to shine as he is currently slated to be a starter in the Rays stacked outfield.

With four good established outfielders who are all on an upward trend, the Rays hope they will have similar success developing their young infield core. Since their infield is so young with tons of potential, the Rays will be a very exciting offensive team mixed with established players and young, hungry prospects with something to prove.

Who do you think will improve the most next season?