Baltimore Orioles: Happy 26th Birthday to Jonathan Schoop

The Baltimore Orioles only 2017 All-Star, Jonathan Schoop, turns 26 years old today, October 16, 2017.

As the Baltimore Orioles All-Star second-baseman enters his 26th year, let’s look back at his outstanding season.

Schoop played in 160 games in 2017 after he played in every regular season game in 2016. Even though he played in more games in 2016, he had 28 more plate appearances and significantly better stats in 2017.

Notable stats for Schoop

As a regular part of the heart of the order, Schoop finished the season with a slash line of .293/.338/.503/.841. He had 622 at-bats and scored 92 runs. He had 105 RBIs and hit 32 home runs. His home runs total was second only to Manny Machado, who had 33. The two battled back and forth with home runs all season.

Schoop led the Orioles in doubles with 35, but he did not hit any triples this season. He walked 35 times and struck out 142 times.

Consistency all season long

What made Schoop so special in 2017 was his consistency. Many players were hot and cold throughout the season – consider Machado in August and Trey Mancini in May and June. All season, Schoop’s number stayed the same. By April 16, his batting average was .289 and it stayed right around there until he finished the season with a .293. His average reached a high of .309 and a low .267. He spent most of June, July, August, and half of September in the low .300s. Not too shabby, Mr. Schoop.

One of the best at second base

Not only did Schoop lead the Orioles in several offensive statistics, he also was at or near the top in several stats with second-basemen in the MLB. He led all second basemen in RBIs, with Robinson Cano and Scooter Gennett following him with 97. Brian Dozier was the only second-baseman with more home runs; he hit 34. Schoop had a WAR of 4.5 and finished second in WAR after Jose Altuve, who had 7.9.

For several years, second base was the spot where many of the best ball players in the MLB play. Schoop held his own and had better seasons than the historically good Cano, Ian Kinsler, and Dustin Pedroia. He, along with Jose Altuve, are a sure sign that the new guys are shining in that spot.

Defensive stats

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Not only was he a force at the plate, but his defensive play was outstanding. He played all but five games at second base. He played the other five games at shortstop. Schoop made 15 errors at second base, but this was in 442 attempts. For comparison purposes, Altuve made 10 errors at second base in the regular season.

Schoop led several defensive stats in 2017. He had the best range factor of any second baseman in the MLB. He also led the league in double plays, full innings, total chances, and putouts. Nice work, Mr. Schoop.

What is especially notable about Schoop is his ability to get on base. He rarely went more than one or two games without a hit. But, if he didn’t get a hit, he managed to get on base with a walk. He had a 26-game on-base streak, but only an 8-game hitting streak. However, his longest no-hit streak was three games and it happened between April 8 and 11. He never went more than two consecutive games without a hit in 2017.

Next: Happy 72nd Birthday, Jim Palmer!

During the Players’ Weekend, Schoop had “Mamba” printed on the back of his jersey. It was a fitting nickname for a guy who is so aggressive at the plate. He struck hard and often. Hopefully, he can do the same thing in 2018.