Tampa Bay Rays Midseason Awards

Tampa Bay Rays MVP: Corey Dickerson

Acquired from the Colorado Rockies ahead of the 2016 campaign, the Tampa Bay Rays hoped that Corey Dickerson could continue to punish the ball outside of Coors Field. Instead, he struggled mightily, with a career worst .245/.293/.469 batting line.

However, there were positive signs last year. Dickerson did hit 24 homers, tying his career best mark. Likewise, his 36 doubles were the most he had hit thus far in his career. In fact, one could consider Dickerson’s low batting line to a bout of bad luck, as his .285 batting average on balls in play was 45 points below his career mark.

This season, Dickerson is back to the form he showed with the Rockies. The starting designated hitter for the American League in the All Star Game, Dickerson has produced a .312/.355/.548 batting line, hitting 17 homers and 24 doubles. Meanwhile, his batting average on balls in play is closer to his career norms, as that mark has increased to .361 on the year.

Along with Logan Morrison, Dickerson has been a key part of the Rays attack this year. Providing an all around threat in the lineup, he has been the Rays best hitter, giving the Rays their best run producer since Evan Longoria was in his prime.

Corey Dickerson has been a key part of the Rays offensive attack. If they continue to push towards the postseason, he will be a big factor down the stretch.