Baltimore Orioles: J.J. Hardy Remains Near Bottom For Shortstops
By Nate Wardle
3. New York Yankees – Didi Gregorius, Ronald Torreyes
Preseason prediction – 3rd, Didi Gregorius, Dustin Ackley, Donovan Solano, Pete Kozma
Another unique display of power from an AL East shortstop! Didi hit 20 home runs, 11 more than his career high of 9 from 2015 in just 35 more at bats. This helped bump his slugging percentage to a slash line of .276/.304/.447. The average and slugging percentage were both the highest of his career. In addition to the HRs, he added 32 2Bs, 70 RBIs, 68 runs (all career highs).
No, Gregorius is never going to be Derek Jeter. But his 2016 season was quite successful. He also started 148 games at the position, leaving just over 10 for Ronald Torreyes, who we discussed previously as doing a good job in the utility role.
Didi’s defense is not exactly his strong suit. He had 15 errors, fourth most in the AL by shortstops. His dWAR was 0.0, his range numbers come in below average, and his runs saved metrics are negative. However, the strong, consistent offense from Didi helps keep him in third in the rankings.