9. Ryan Zimmerman turning back the clock
Zimmerman was the face of the Nationals franchise before Bryce Harper. He was the team’s star, marquee player in its early years in Washington. But Zimmerman’s last several seasons had been slowed by injuries, ineffective play, or both. At 32, it appeared as though Zimmerman’s days an All-Star were a thing of the past.
Appearances can be deceiving.
https://twitter.com/AllStarGame/status/875011017104818176
In addition to his 19 home runs, Zimmerman has slashed at .367/.409/.716. That .367 average is nearly 20 points better than baseball’s second-leading hitter, Buster Posey (.348).
Even on an absolutely loaded team, Zimmerman has been one of Washington’s best players. In fact, Zimmerman has been one of the National League’s leading MVP candidates since the first day of the season.
That’s certainly shocking production from a player who entered 2017 with a fork nearly in his back.