Editor's note: Over the next few weeks, NBC Sports California will be analyzing a different A's player each day to project their numbers for next season.
Oakland Athletics shortstop Marcus Semien made incredible strides defensively last season, transforming from one of the worst shortstops in the league to a Gold Glove Award finalist.
Semien, 28, ranked third in MLB with an 11.6 SABR Defensive Index and third among American League shortstops with nine defensive runs saved.
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At the plate, Semien hit .255/.318/.388 with 15 home runs, 35 doubles, and 70 RBI. He set career-highs in hits, walks runs, doubles, and stolen bases as well.
Semien's power numbers increased significantly down the stretch, as he notched eight homers and 31 RBI in the final two months. Back in 2016, he launched 27 long balls, so his power potential is clearly there.
Baseball Reference projects Semien to hit .245/.313/.402 next season with 17 home runs and 62 RBI, as well as 28 doubles and 12 stolen bases. That's in the neighborhood of his career numbers through six Major League seasons. The question is whether he can take another step next year.
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Defensively, Semien should build on his stellar play from a season ago and once again be in contention for a Gold Glove. His range is tremendous and his confidence and consistency have improved greatly.
Offensively, it will be interesting to see where Semien hits in the lineup. Most people expect him to spend most of his time in the seven-spot, which should give him plenty of RBI opportunities, but fewer overall at-bats.
Projection: .257/.324/.409, 18 HR, 77 RBI, 33 doubles, 13 stolen bases