How the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup should look in 2018
By Jason Reed
5. Yasiel Puig — RF
Yasiel Puig batted in a lot of different spots throughout the 2017 season yet he was one of the most consistent power-hitting options for the Los Angeles Dodgers. While Puig’s numbers will not blow you away, his overall improvement can be seen in his play and his increased power numbers are a direct testament to it.
Last season, Puig slugged 28 home runs and 74 RBIs to go along with his .263 batting average. His strikeout rate fell under 20% and his walk rate was the best it has ever been. Again, at a glance, these numbers are pretty good, not great. However, it may be safe to say that Puig is also entering the prime years of his career.
After flexible for the Dodgers in 2017 Puig deserves the nod back to the fifth spot in the lineup. Puig started the year batting eighth for the Dodgers, seemingly hitting everywhere else in the lineup throughout the rest of the year.
Although Puig saw the most time in the eight hole, with 61 games, he consistently shifted anywhere from fourth to seventh. Puig hit in the four hole for 13 games, the five hole for 23 games, the six hole for 20 games and the seven hole for 19 games. Overall, Puig played 75 games batting anywhere from fifth to seventh.
It is time for Puig to get a set spot in the lineup. If he succeeds, he has proven that he is capable of taking over clean-up duties for a struggling Cody Bellinger. If he cannot, he also has shown the ability to adapt to any changes in the lineup.