Logan Morrison Already Having Career Season

We are not even at the All Star Break, and Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Logan Morrison has produced a career season.

It took until late in free agency for Logan Morrison to find a job, as he resigned with the Tampa Bay Rays for $2.5 Million, a $1.7 Million pay cut from 2016. Given his struggles last year, as Morrison produced a .238/.319/.414 batting line with only 14 homers, it is understandable as to why he was still a free agent in February.

This year, Morrison has produced quite the return on investment for the Rays. He has already established a new career high with 24 home runs, reaching that mark by belting two homers off Dylan Bundy in the Rays 10-3 victory on Saturday. Morrison now has a .256/.364/.581 batting line, with his .946 OPS nearly 170 points higher than his career best.

One of the offensive leaders in Tampa Bay this season, Morrison has been a big part of the Rays success. Not only does he lead the team in homers, but his 57 RBI, .946 OPS, and 46 walks all lead the team. In fact, given the Rays success, Morrison could find himself in the conversation for a spot in the All Star Game this year.

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Morrison is even putting his oft discussed issues with left handing pitching to rest. In 69 at bats against lefties, he has produced a respectable .238/.341/.464 batting line, numbers better than his overall line last year. His .805 OPS against lefties is fourth on the team, regardless of how many at bats they have had. Morrison also has eight extra base hits against lefties, and has drawn 11 walks.

Considering how he performed last season, this season has to feel good for Morrison. He has reestablished himself as a legitimate power threat, and could find himself approaching the 40 homer mark by the end of the year. If so, he could be in for a substantial pay raise in free agency next year.

Next: Rays send two to Futures Game

It is always great to set a career best by the All Star Break. For Logan Morrison, it took just about three months to establish a new career high in home runs, as he appears en route to a career year.