Many athletes have down years out of nowhere, especially baseball players. Last season, we saw some big names guys unexpectedly struggle, either due to injury or slumps. Here are some of those players who will have a chance to win National League Comeback Player of the Year in 2017.
NL Comeback Player of the Year Candidates
5. Greg Holland, COL
Holland missed all of last season due to Tommy John surgery. Holland was a two-time All-Star closer with the Kansas City Royals. In 2013 and 2014, he recorded a combined 93 saves with a 1.59 ERA while striking out 193 batters. In 2015 he had a rough year as his ERA shot all the way up to 3.27, although he still recorded 32 saves. Holland is a huge bargain for the Rockies. If he does return to his normal-self Holland could prove to be a huge asset for Colorado.
4. Andrew McCutchen, PIT
McCutchen was one of the biggest disappointments in the 2016 season. After finishing in the top five in NL MVP voting five years in a row, he had his worst season i the big leagues. He had the lowest batting average of his career at .256, and his lowest RBI total, 79, since 2010. The 2013 NL MVP was surfaced in trade talks this offseason, which could spark a return to his MVP form.
3. Kyle Schwarber, CHI
Schwarber missed the entire 2016 regular season after tearing his ACL in the second game of the season. He returned for the World Series, where he appeared in 5 games, and hit .412 with 7 hits in 17 at-bats. In his MLB debut in 2015, Schwarber hit .246 with 16 home runs. With the power the big left handed hitter displays, he will certainly play a factor in helping the Cubs attempting to repeat.
2. Bryce Harper, WAS
Harper struggled during the 2016 season. Despite hitting 24 home runs, he only hit to an average of .243. Coming off an NL MVP in 2015, Teams pitched around Harper a lot last season and it seemed to get into his head. He was also bothered by some troublesome injuries. At 24 years old, Harper should have a bounce back season in 2017.
1. Matt Harvey, NYM
Harvey is very familiar with the Comeback Player of the Year award. In 2013 he went 9-5 with a 2.27 ERA, he then missed the entire 2014 season with Tommy John surgery. In 2015, he came back stronger than ever, he went 13-8 with a 2.71 ERA and struck out 188 batters. Before having season ending surgery in 2016, Harvey had a 4-10 record with a 4.86 ERA. Matt appears to be in great shape thus far in camp, and the Mets would love to get him back to his 2013 form.
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