Dodgers: Every player rating in MLB The Show 18 and what it should be
By Jason Reed
Infielders:
Justin Turner — 89 Overall
The best part of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the infield is filled with three players 88 and above. Justin Turner leads the way at 89 overall and rightfully so.
Turner is great at the plate and is one of the best pure hitters in baseball. He has above average power and is a consistent run producer. Turner’s biggest Achilles’ Heel has been his health, however, that should not impact his rating.
What it should be: 89 Overall
Cody Bellinger — 88 Overall
This rating I understand, I don’t necessarily agree with, yet I do not think it should change. Cody Bellinger took the league by storm last season, setting multiple rookie home run record in the National League.
That definitely deserves a high rating and it would be asinine to deny that. I think Bellinger’s rookie year magic will wear off a tad, making him more in line with an 85-85 overall. However, with his one-year track record, an 88 overall makes sense. For now.
What it should be: 88 Overall
Corey Seager — 88 Overall
This one I disagree with the most. Easily. With the hype of Cody Bellinger and the great story that is Justin Turner, Corey Seager has taken the back seat. A late-season elbow injury hurt a great season of production that was building off of an impressive rookie year.
Let’s not forget that Seager was an MVP finalist in his rookie year. I truly think Seager is the heart and soul of this offense and should not be overlooked, as he has been. I love Bellinger and Turner, but Seager is the guy.
What it should be: 91 Overall
Yasmani Grandal — 82 Overall
Yasmani Grandal is great at two things: hitting home runs and being a great defensive backstop. That is enough to be a great catcher in the MLB and that is recognized by his 82 overall rating.
However, Grandal struggles too much against left-handed pitchers to warrant this overall. Grandal is great against right-handers, sure, but his splits against southpaws do hinder what he does best; his power.
Grandal is going to serve as a platoon catcher next season, thus, I think it is only fair to meet in the middle and match overalls.
What it should be: 81 Overall
Austin Barnes — 80 Overall
Like I said, we should meet in the middle and match overalls. Austin Barnes is a better pure hitter, however, he does not have as much power as Grandal. His fielding is slightly worse, but his flexibility as an infielder and baserunning ability make up the gap.
Austin Barnes and Yasmani Grandal aren’t just going to form the best catching platoon in baseball, but the best platoon in baseball, period.
What it should be: 81 Overall
Logan Forsythe — 78 Overall
When I saw this rating I was a bit surprised. I really thought Logan Forsythe would get more love than this and be in the low 80s. His fielding is solid and he is an above average hitter against southpaws.
However, Forsythe regressed in nearly every aspect in 2017 and it is understandable why his rating does not reflect how good he really can be. Forsythe’s rating arguably has the most room to both grow and improve and rating nails that on the head.
What it should be: 78 Overall
Chase Utley — 71 Overall
Chase Utley is a great locker room presence and a much-needed veteran for the young guys on the Dodgers. However, he is nearing the end of his playing career and unfortunately, there is no likability rating that impacts his overall. 71 seems fitting.
What it should be: 71 Overall