Five surprise players for the Miami Marlins in 2017

No. 5: Miguel Rojas – 2.2 WAR

Miguel Rojas battled injuries throughout the season, but when he was healthy, he was productive. 2017 was easily his most productive season as a Major League Baseball player. He staked his claim to a starting role next season en route to accumulating 1.2 wins above average.

His production was so encouraging, the Miami Marlins were comfortable trading Adeiny Hechavarria.

Rojas posted a career high in each category of his slash-line: .290/.361/.375. But he found ways to contribute without putting the ball in play as well, with a career high walk rate of 8.8 percent, and a career low K-rate at 10.4 percent.

As usual, Rojas was excellent in the field and his versatility provided nearly a full win a defensive WAR. Fielding coach Perry Hill has expressed Rojas’ ability to win a gold glove anywhere on the field, praise he doesn’t give out lightly.

Rojas saw his stock rise in 2017. If he’s able to stay healthy throughout the 2018 season, he could be an everyday player for the Miami Marlins.