With spring training getting underway this weekend, the start of the season is right around the corner. This season figures to be a big one for rookies, prospects, and younger players. There are many rookies who have already, or figure to make their debut at some point this season. Here are the top National League Rookie of the Year candidates.
NL Rookie of the Year Candidates 2017
5. Manuel Margot, SD
Margot is the top prospect in the Padres system. He figures to be their star centerfielder for a long time. Last season in 10 games with Padres he hit .243. In the minors, he hit .304 with 21 doubles, 12 triples, 6 home runs, 98 runs, stole 30 bases, and drove in 55 runs. Margot hits the ball hard to all fields. He oddest have much power but will get on base, and can make things happen with his speed.
4. Tyler Glasnow, PIT
Glasnow is the Pirates top prospect, and his transition to the majors didn’t go all too well last season. He struggled mightily with command issues. In 23 innings he walked 13 batters and allowed 22 hits. In the monies last season, he had a 8-3 record with a 1.93 ERA and 144 strikeouts. Glasgow has a plus fastball and curveball, he just has to trust his stuff and throw more strikes.
3. Ozzie Albies, ATL
Albies is the Braves #2 prospect, and the #10 prospect in all of baseball. He made his debut in 2015, and has raced through the system. Allies has a quick, smooth, compact swing. Last season in Double-A he hit .321 with 22 doubles, 7 triples, 4 home runs, drove in 53 runs, and stole 21 bases. He figures to form an elite double play combo with Dansby Swanson for years to come.
2. Josh Bell, PIT
Bell is a major league ready first baseman in the pirates system. He was rated the #2 first base prospect in all of baseball. He saw some time in Pittsburgh last season, and has some success. In 45 games, he hit to an average of .273 with 8 doubles, 3 home runs, and drove in 19 runs. Bell has the ability to go the other way and beat the shift which could prove to be huge for his MLB success.
1. Dansby Swanson, ATL
With brief big league experience and success, it’s easy to say Swanson is the front runner for ROY going into this season. The kid is an absolute stud. Appearing in 38 games in Atlanta, he hit to an average of .302 with 7 doubles, 3 home runs, and 17 RBI’s. Swanson has a sweet, smooth swing and some excellent bat speed.
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