MLB Awards Watch: Top 5 AL ROY candidates through May

5. Billy Burns – .327, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 9 SB

May 31, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics center fielder Billy Burns (1) steals third base as the ball passes by New York Yankees third baseman Chase Headley (12) during the sixth inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

A relative newcomer to the AL Rookie of the Year mix, Billy Burns has opened some eyes in very quick fashion with the Oakland A’s. He didn’t make his season debut until May 2, but over 118 plate appearances he is boasting a .327/.373/.436 slash line with two homers and three RBI.

The outfielder’s greatest asset, however, is his speed, and he has been putting it on display regularly since coming up to the big leagues. He has swiped nine bags in eleven attempts and scored 17 runs while primarily batting leadoff for Oakland. Burns has even prompted some to ponder whether he is currently the league’s fastest player.

There’s still a long way to go, but Burns cracks this list due to the nice month he had as well as the potential he showed. If he keeps his average high and continues racking up the steals, it will likely give him a bit of a different look compared to many of the other RoY candidates. Burns could very well sprint his way up our rankings in the months to come.

Next: Number 4