Major League Baseball: Analyzing The Season Totals

October 4, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (23) hits an RBI single in the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals in game two of the 2014 NLDS playoff baseball game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Highest RBI total by a batter 127.5

The top five in runs batted in a season ago were Adrian Gonzalez, Mike Trout, Miguel Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, and Jose Abreu. Looking at each of those hitters, it’s easy to understand why RBIs are a by-product of being put in good situations. Hitting in the middle of the lineup with guys that can get on base ahead of you, there’s no doubt you have solid chances to bring runs across the plate.

For the Dodgers, Gonzalez should once again be put in a solid run producing position, but it may not be as generous. Dee Gordon is gone from the top of the lineup, and his stolen bases getting him into scoring position will no longer benefit Los Angeles. Trout and Cabrera should probably see much of the same production this season, but a huge boost would be hard to expect. Cruz moving to Seattle, and what may actually be a lesser lineup than he had in Baltimore, could stifle some of his chances. The biggest riser on the top five might actually be Abreu, as the White Sox are a significantly better team than they were a season ago.

No matter how the top five players shuffle around, I have a hard time believing that such a significant increase will be seen over last season. Only Gonzalez posted more than 115 RBIs, and only Trout joined him posting over 100.

Play: Under 127.5