Eduardo Nunez Primed for a Breakout Season with the San Francisco Giants

Here we take a look at San Francisco Giants third baseman Eduardo Nunez and his potential to have a breakout season in 2017.

I think a lot of people have overlooked the contributions of Eduardo Nunez this spring. He’s taken a backseat to some of the bigger stars for the San Francisco Giants.

However, I think it’s Nunez that has the best chance at becoming a breakout player this season.

He’s spent seven years in the big leagues and will turn 30 this June, so he’s still in the middle of his prime.

Nunez has never been given the chance to play every day like he will this year with the San Francisco Giants.

Last year was the most games he’s ever played in a season. He played 91 games with the Minnesota Twins. Then he played in 50 games with the Giants for a total of 141 games played in 2016.

Before last year, the most games he played in a season was way back in 2011. That year he played 111 games with the New York Yankees.

He hit .287 last year with 73 runs scored, 16 home runs and 67 RBI. That’s a very solid year for someone who has been labeled as a utility player his whole career.

His versatility does give the San Francisco Giants some options as he can play third, short and second base.

There is currently no one pushing him for playing time at third, so Nunez should get a majority of his starts there.

Nunez’ path in the big leagues is very similar to the Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman, Justin Turner.

More from Around the Foghorn

• SF Giants: Checking in on the Tony Watson trade
• San Francisco Giants fans need this Captain Brandon Belt shirt
• SF Giants: Brandon Belt’s surge has powered winning streak
• SF Giants hitting prospects week in review (8/28-9/10)
• SF Giants: Pitching depth bolstered with waiver claim

Like Nunez, Turner wondered around the big leagues for six years before finally sticking at third base for the Dodgers. Last year was the first time in Turner’s career that he’s had over 487 at-bats in a season.

After hitting .275 with 79 runs scored, 27 home runs and 90 RBI, the Dodgers rewarded him with a 4-year, $64 million contract.

Nunez will be a free agent after the 2017 season and will be hoping to earn a big pay day.

Depending on where Nunez bats in the order, I think he has a chance of reaching 80 runs scored, 15-20 home runs, 70 RBI and a .280 average.

Also, Nunez brings a different dimension to his game with his speed as he can also steal 20-plus bags.

Next: San Francisco Giants: Why Buster Posey will Remain a Catcher

If you’re looking for someone on the San Francisco Giants that could break out onto the scene this year, look no further than Eduardo Nunez.