
From the Cover to the Diamond: Eastbay Cover Stars are Ready for a Huge Season
Baseball is finally here and this year is full of intriguing storylines. Can Chicago repeat? What crazy stats will mega stars like Clayton Kershaw and Mike Trout put up this season? Which young prospects will emerge as the faces of their franchises? It is sure to be a year of intrigue and the baseball players who have graced our cover promise to be at the center of all the action. So let’s take a look at some of baseball’s biggest names, break down what to watch for from them this year, and check out what they’ll be wearing on game day.
Mike Trout, Los Angeles Center Fielder
Let’s start with a 5-time All-Star and 2-time MVP. Trout is coming off another monstrous individual year, but is focused on leading LA back to the postseason for the first time since 2014.
What he’ll be wearing:
Bryce Harper, Washington Right Fielder
Washington hasn’t had a losing season since Harper landed in the majors in 2012 and they’ll look for their young superstar to help them go further in the playoffs this year.
What he’ll be wearing:
- Under Armour Harper One Cleats
- Rawlings Heart Of The Hide Glove
- Under Armour Batting Gloves
- Under Armour Baseball Arm Sleeve
Kris Bryant, Chicago Third Baseman
The world champs got the breakout season they needed from Bryant last season. His .292 BA, 39 HRs, and 102 RBIs earned him a well-deserved MVP award. Want to hear the crazy part? At only 25 years old, he’s still got plenty of room to grow.
What he’ll be wearing:
- adidas Boost Icon 2 Cleats
- Rawlings Pro Preferred PRO200-6K Glove
- adidas Batting Gloves
- Oakley Radar EV Sunglasses
Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Right Fielder
Miami had their best record in six years last year and will count on their mighty cleanup hitter, Stanton, to power their offense. The three-time All-Star has over 200 career homers and is sure to launch plenty more long bombs in 2017.
What he’ll be wearing:
- Nike Huarache 2KFilth Cleats
- Rawlings Pro Preferred PROS27H Glove
- Nike MVP Elite Batting Gloves
- Oakley Radar EV Sunglasses
Kevin Kiermaier, Tampa Bay Center Fielder
Few players make as big of an impact on the diamond as Kiermaier does. The two-time Gold Glover is one of the best defensive players the game has seen in a long time. He also took major strides on the offensive side last year, setting career highs in HRs and OBP.
What he’ll be wearing:
Buster Posey, San Francisco Catcher
Speaking of outstanding defensive players, Posey finally captured his first Gold Glove in 2016. It was a long time coming for the veteran star who has been a lynchpin on both sides of the plate for the perennial contenders.
What he’ll be wearing:
- Under Armour Baseball Cleats
- Rawlings Heart of the Hide Catcher’s Mitt
- Under Armour Batting Gloves
- Under Armour Pro Chest Protector
- Under Armour Pro Shin Guards
- All Star System 7 Catcher’s Mask
Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Pitcher
The surefire first ballot Hall of Famer will look to add to his ridiculous trophy case which already includes 3 Cy Young Awards, 1 MVP, and 6 All-Stars. But at this point, the one he really cares about and has a nice spot cleared out for is that world title ring.
What he’ll be wearing:
Xander Bogaerts, Boston Shortstop
Boston’s trusty starting shortstop would love to win his third consecutive Silver Slugger award this season, but he’s much more concerned about getting his team back to the Fall Classic for the first time since his rookie year in 2013.
What he’ll be wearing: