Dodgers: Every player rating in MLB The Show 18 and what it should be

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MESA, AZ – MARCH 06: Yasiel Puig (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Outfielders:

Chris Taylor — 83 Overall

Chris Taylor was the feel-good story of 2017. An 83 rating seems like a fair reflection of how good Taylor can be moving forward. It is hard to fully buy in on a breakout guy and an 83 rating is good enough but not too good to avoid overrating the guy.

However, I think this rating is expecting Taylor to regress a little too much. While it will be hard for Taylor to repeat his production from last year, I think it is something Taylor can still accomplish. After all, he was one of the key players in the Dodgers World Series run last season.

What it should be: 85 Overall

Yasiel Puig — 80 Overall

Man, I love Yasiel Puig. Puig is so outlandish and it is hilarious to see baseball naturalists cringe at the way Puig plays the game. 2017 was a huge step in the right direction for Puig, who saw his numbers rise in virtually every category.

Hitting coach Turner Ward is the main reason for Puig’s great turnaround. With Ward returning to the coaching staff this season, I would expect another great year out of Yasiel Puig.

What it should be: 82 Overall

Matt Kemp — 76 Overall

The new guy in town, the familiar face of Matt Kemp is slowly winning over Dodger fans with his great Spring Training numbers. Kemp has the potential to use his hitting ability and increased physique to really have a breakout year.

However, his fielding is still a huge question mark, which naturally will lower his rating. If this was hitting alone, Kemp would easily be in the 80s. With the fielding, though, a lower rating is definitely justified.

But since I love Kemp, I’ll add some cushion.

What it should be: 78 overall

Joc Pederson — 70 Overall

Well, this is what happens when you strike out a lot. Joc Pederson is one of my favorite Dodgers but he is running out of time. 2018 is going to be a big year for Pederson’s career and will likely make or break his MLB future.

At his best, Pederson can easily raise this rating. However, at his worse, the argument can be made that it should be much lower. For now, let’s keep it the same.

What it should be: 70 overall

Trayce Thompson — 70 Overall

This one does not really make sense to me. Trayce Thompson played in 27 games for the Dodgers last season. Yet somehow, he gets the same rating as Pederson. His batting average is lower, his strikeout rate is similar, the power is lower and the walk rate is lower.

Realistically speaking, Thompson should easily be the lowest rated Dodger on the team. I would argue that he does not belong on the big league team with all the outfield depth.

What it should be: 67 overall

Enrique Hernandez — 65 Overall

Alright, here comes the one I disagree with the most.

There is no reason in the world that Enrique Hernandez should be the lowest rated Dodger. Even if he was the lowest rated, the fact that he is a 65 overall bewilders me.

First and foremost, Hernandez has immense value as a super utility that is a legitimate great fielder at any position. Due to his flexibility, I would argue that Hernandez is the best fielder on the Dodgers.

He hits left-handers at an above average clip and he is getting better against right-handers. On the surface, a .215 batting average seems awful. The only reason it is so low is because Hernandez saw an extended look against right-handers.

This rating gives me the impression that the rating team simply looked at his stats and based his rating solely on that. Dodger fans know how important and valuable Hernandez is. 65 rated is an absolute disgrace. Period.

Next: 20 bold predictions for the 2018 Dodgers

What it should be: 76 overall

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