MLB Awards Watch: Top 5 NL ROY candidates through July

3. Matt Duffy

Jul 17, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Duffy (5) singles in the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Rookie Matt Duffy continues to be a revelation at the hot corner for the San Francisco Giants. The 24-year-old has been one of the better third baseman in the league this year, not just among rookies. His 3.4 WAR ranks seventh among all MLB third baseman.

Duffy hit .316 in July to help move his slash line to a very robust .301/.340/.457 on the season. He also has nine home runs and 48 RBI through 92 games. His hit total (101) and batting average currently lead qualified rookies in both leagues. He also places near the top of numerous other rookie offensive categories.

Perhaps the greatest sign of Duffy’s success is that he is making the Giants and their fans quite content to have let Pablo Sandoval leave in free agency. Kung Fu Panda has struggled in Boston to the tune of a .683 OPS and -0.6 WAR.

Next: Rookie #2