MLB Awards Watch 2015: Top 5 AL ROY end-of-season rankings

4. Miguel Sano

Sep 16, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins designated hitter Miguel Sano (22) hits a double in the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Target Field. The Tigers won 7-4 in twelve innings. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Hardly anyone but the most fervent diehard fan could have predicted that the Minnesota Twins would remain in the playoff picture so late into the 2015 season. The powerful bat of rookie Miguel Sano played a vital role in their improbable run.

The 22-year-old slugger appeared in just 80 games but set a pace many a player would envy. In 335 plate appearances he belted 18 home runs, collected 52 RBI and posted a .269/.385/.530 slash line. He also demonstrated a strong ability to draw walks, as evidenced by his 15.8% BB rate.

Sano might draw some early parallels to another power-hitting DH who was also a Twin once upon a time: David Ortiz. It may be a bit soon for those kinds of comparisons, but fans in Minnesota will be eager to see what their new young star can do in a full season.

Next: Rookie #3