Casey McGehee was one of the best stories on the Miami Marlins in 2014 and was named the Sporting News Comeback Player of the Year on Monday.
The award is voted on by a group of 196 Major League Baseball players with a winner named in each league. the American League winner was Chris Young of the Seattle Mariners. Both McGehee and Young were not in MLB during the 2013 season and then excelled in 2014 upon returning.
McGehee spent 2013 in Japan where he was a member of the Rakuten Golden Eagles who captured their championship. In his season with the Eagles, McGehee posted big numbers which opened eyes stateside. The Marlins were not the only team to seek McGehee's services but it was a perfect match with a gaping hole at third in Miami.
The third baseman signed a one-year contract worth $1.1 million and outdid his pay with a slash line of .287/.355/.357. McGehee hit only four home runs but he doubled 29 times and knocked in 76 runs. His first half was exceptional and McGehee almost was a member of the National League All-Star team. He would fall short on a Final Vote held by MLB.
McGehee's 177 hits were a team best and were also fourth most in the entire NL. The veteran was also in the Top 20 in both batting average and on-base percentage.
Entering the 2015 season, McGehee is eligible for salary arbitration. By all accounts, Miami intends on keeping its third baseman. His arbitration number should come in at a fair amount and allow the Marlins to upgrade other positions on the field. Despite a second half drop-off, McGehee is still seen as a big part of the middle of the lineup going into next season.
Sporting News has been issuing this award since 1965. It is not officially recognized by MLB however as they have their own Comeback Player of the Year award annually.
