3. Billy Burns
Sep 28, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics center fielder Billy Burns (1) scores from third as Los Angeles Angels designated hitter C.J. Cron (24) drops the ball in the first inning of the game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Billy Burns has been a fixture on this list for most of the season, and he finishes at a very respectable #3. The speedy center fielder proved to be an unexpected sparkplug in an otherwise underachieving Oakland A’s lineup.
Burns leads all AL rookies with 153 hits, and his .294 batting average is good for third among those with at least 100 plate appearances. On the season, he owns a .294/.334/.392 slash line, five home runs, 42 RBI and 26 stolen bases in 125 games. His nine triples are also tied for seventh in MLB.
The 26-year-old’s quickness has been an asset for the A’s, whether at the top of the batting order or while roaming the expansive outfield at Oakland Coliseum. The club will look to rebound in 2016 after a disappointing campaign, and Burns figures to remain a key part of the equation.
Next: Rookie #2