MLB Awards Watch: Top 5 AL ROY candidates through July

5. Delino DeShields, Jr.

Jul 5, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers center fielder Delino DeShields (7) bats against the Los Angeles Angels during the game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Angels defeated the Rangers 12-6. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The son of the longtime MLB veteran has been making a name for himself in his own right. Delino DeShields, Jr. has emerged as a key contributor for the Rangers in his debut season, batting out of the leadoff spot to set the table for the likes of Prince Fielder and Adrian Beltre.

He put together a strong July to boost his standing among his American League rookie peers, slashing .292/.393/.417 on the month. He had three consecutive multi-hit games on July 12, 17 and 18, and on July 21 in Colorado he collected four hits, including a double and a triple.

Overall, DeShields’ slash line stands at a respectable .273/.364/.391 for the season. Of his 60 hits, 20 have gone for extra bases. He leads AL rookies in triples (6) and is second in doubles (14). He has also scored 44 runs (third among AL rookies) and swiped 16 bags (second) over the course of 68 games. DeShields has demonstrated the ability to draw a walk as well, boasting a 12.1% BB rate on the year.

The 22-year-old outfielder should continue to be an exciting young player to watch perform and develop over the next two months, and he earns a place on the July edition of our top five list.

Next: Rookie #4