Sep 16, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Travis Snider (23) hits an RBI single against the Boston Red Sox during the seventh inning at PNC Park. The Pirates shutout the Red Sox 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
3. Travis Snider, Orioles
The Orioles lost longtime right fielder Nick Markakis to free agency this offseason and Snider, whom they acquired from the Pirates, was the team’s choice to replace Markakis. A former top prospect for the Blue Jays whose career had seemingly fizzled out, Snider put himself back on the map with a solid season in 2014. Over the course of 140 games in Pittsburgh, Snider slashed .264/.338/.438, showing the ability to consistently reach base for the first time in his career. Snider showcased solid peripherals, suggesting that last season’s performance is repeatable, as his 9.5% walk rate was above his career average of 8.3% and his 18.7% strikeout rate was significantly lower than his career mark of 25.0%. At 27 years old, Snider has a good shot to improve in the coming season and should be a solid option in Baltimore.