Matt Vierling

After averaging 139 games and 549 plate appearances over the previous two seasons, recurring shoulder problems and a late-season oblique strain limited Vierling to just 31 games and 100 plate appearances. He hit only one home run, which could be attributed to lingering shoulder issues, but his quality of contact actually improved, as he hit the ball harder than in prior seasons and produced a high barrel rate. He generated a career-high xSLG contrasting with a career-low actual slugging percentage. While he had previously played nearly every day, his splits suggest he is better suited for the short side of a platoon, either at third base or in the outfield. Vierling is expected to be healthy for spring training and should rebound offensively, though his playing time is unlikely to return to pre-injury levels. Read Past Outlooks