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1. Matt Adams
Nobody around here is ever going to forget that 7th inning shot off of Kershaw in Game 4 of the 2014 NLDS. It was the defining moment thus far in Matt Adams’ Cardinal career, and as magical as it was, “Big City” is the Cardinal entering 2016 with the most to prove.
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In 2013, Adams hit 17 home runs in 296 at-bats while sharing time at first base and bouncing back and forth between Memphis and St. Louis. In 2014, over 527 at-bats, Adams slashed just .288/.321/.457 with 15 long balls against 114 strikeouts.
Over 175 at-bats in a season mostly lost to injury, Adams was slashing just .240/.280/.377 with five home runs against 41 strikeouts. Simply stated, Adams hasn’t sniffed being a top-level run producer since the half-a-season he had in 2013.
Why do I think he is a top break out candidate, then? Essentially, I am looking for a motivated Matt Adams coming off of an injury plagued 2015. I expect Adams to find his power once again, and take control of the first base position for the immediate future.
Next: Can the Cardinals hold off the Cubs in 2016?
I see 2016 as a 20 homer or bust season for Adams. His future with the organization hinges on a productive 2016 campaign, and I see that as the driving force leading to a career year for Big City in St. Louis.