With a large bulk of the MLB season having already been completed, it comes time to evaluate the best of the best in each area of the game.
With Kris Bryant absolutely blowing away all competition in the 2015 NL Rookie of the Year voting, some of the spice was taken away from what has historically been an interesting race to track. With that said, 2016 should provide for a far more intriguing mix.
Formidable candidates highlight what is currently a solid National League youth core. From five-tool players to pure power bats to exciting arms, the league is crowded with talent.
With the two award winners prior to Bryant being pitchers, perhaps it is time for the hardware to be given to a deserving arm. While that possibility certainly remains on the table, the handful of exceptional position players may be enough to outweigh any opposition.
So, without further adieu, let’s take a look at how the top National League rookies would stack up if the season were to end today.
The 25-year-old southpaw undeniably would have had a better chance at the award if he had qualified last year. Nonetheless, his 2016 campaign has been nothing short of stellar.
Despite battling some elbow troubles, leading to a few bumps in the road, he has displayed a veteran-esque ability to mix his pitches and work in favorable counts in the majority of his outings.
Judging from early signs, the Long Island native is destined to be one of the premier left-handers in baseball for years to come. He may not take home a coveted award this year, but he definitely has an award-winning future waiting for him.
Coming over from Japan on one of the better bargains of the offseason, the 28-year-old right-hander has been everything the Dodgers could have asked for and more.
While his numbers do not exactly compare with some of the brilliant years he had with the Hiroshima Carp, he has come unexpectedly close. Furthermore, keep in mind that this is his first year facing big league batters.
With his great mind for pitching comes an avenue for continued growth. Initially signed as a hopeful solid piece to LA’s staff, he has turned into one of the anchors of it in a heartbeat.
The Cuban native has immediately become one of the top shortstops in the National League in the matter of 95 big league games. With numbers resembling the line which the 25-year-old possesses, Rookie of the Year consideration is inevitable.
He only continues the trend of exceptional scouting by the St. Louis Cardinals organization. Whether it be unthought of minor league talent or bringing someone over to the United States, the player development staff has to be given the credit it righteously deserves.
If any follow-up act is put forth in 2017, Diaz will be well on his way to an outstanding big league career.
Without getting cheesy, let’s start off by saying that Trevor Story has been quite the story this year. Out of nowhere, the questionable 2011 first-round pick has solidified himself as one of the more prominent power threats in all of baseball.
The 23-year-old shortstop differs greatly from Diaz due to the fact that he is the truest sense of a “hit or miss” commodity. Already whiffing 130 times in 96 games this year, Colorado fans can know what to expect whenever he steps up to the plate.
With that said, the positives completely obliterate the negatives in this case. The storylines — particularly in the first two weeks of the season — he has fabricated for an underrated Rockies team have put him on the radar of many.
Just from power production alone, his numbers are off the charts when it comes to first-year players. Denying a guy with 42 homers (projected) of the award will be an extremely difficult task.
When it comes to all-around numbers and value, Seager wins out. When it comes to a top prospect panning out, he wins out again.
With all of the hype surrounding Corey Seager, the 22-year-old shortstop has emerged into one of the future faces of major league baseball. Additionally, he adds to what is now a stacked core of young and talented shortstops in the National League.
Catalyzing a Dodgers team merely one game off the pace in the NL West, he is well on his way to a second taste of postseason baseball in as many years. The difference this year will be that a full slate of regular season baseball will follow him into the pivotal games.
Barring an unforeseen tail-off in progress, Seager will be honored with the 2016 National League Rookie of the Year award.
Emmanuel Berbari covers the New York Yankees& Major League Baseballfor ESNY. Interact with him and view his daily work by “liking” his facebook page. He invites you to emailany questions, comments, or concerns as well.