2016 MLB Preview: Five American League rookies to watch
Carlos Correa was the toast of the American League rookie class last year, and for good reason. The Houston Astros shortstop showed no signs of intimidation on the MLB stage, slashing .279/.345/.512 with 22 home runs and 68 RBIs in 99 games.
Despite a late push from fellow shortstop Francisco Lindor of the Cleveland Indians, Correa cruised to the 2015 AL Rookie of the Year Award with his rare combination of size, power and athleticism at a premium position. And having only turned 21 last September, it’s scary to think about how high his ceiling is.
The Junior Circuit should boast a variety of talented rookies this season who will seek to follow in Correa’s footsteps. Who will capture the ROY crown during the 2016 campaign? Here are five names to remember as Opening Day nears.
Next: Byron Buxton
Byron Buxton
With 129 at-bats during 2015, Byron Buxton just barely retained his rookie status for the upcoming season. His preview performance last year didn’t exactly garner rave reviews either. He slashed a meager .209/.250/.326 and went down in late June with a thumb injury before being recalled again in August.
However, the 22-year-old’s potential is difficult to ignore and the 2016 season might offer better circumstances for him to break out. He has high expectations to meet, as Baseball America named him its top overall prospect in 2014 and its second-ranked prospect the following year after the Cubs’ Kris Bryant.
Scouts have raved about Buxton’s speed and defense, skills which will serve him well in Target Field’s spacious outfield. If he can make the necessary strides at the plate, he should be a strong all-around candidate for ROY honors in 2016.
Next: Blake Snell
Blake Snell
Blake Snell will attempt to become the latest success story of the Tampa Bay Rays’ minor league pitching pipeline, and there is sufficient reason to believe the young left-hander can do it. The Rays are already mulling the idea of locking up him with a long-term deal.
The 23-year-old southpaw was named Baseball America’s Minor League Player of the Year in 2015 after stellar showings at three levels of the Tampa Bay farm system. He went a combined 15-4 during the season with a 1.41 ERA.
Armed with a low-90s fastball, an effective changeup and an improving breaking ball, Snell should make his presence known in the Rays rotation this year. If he fulfills his potential, he could be a major factor in the ROY race as well.
Next: A.J. Reed
A.J. Reed
Could the Astros have a second consecutive Rookie of the Year on their hands? Minor league first baseman A.J. Reed might be the guy. The 22-year-old lefty slugger torched the Advanced-A and Double-A levels last season, slashing .340/.432/.612 with 34 homers and a whopping 127 RBIs in 135 total games.
If there’s one thing the Houston offense doesn’t lack, it’s power, but Reed could provide them with even more in 2016. If projected starter Jon Singleton struggles out of the gate this year, it’s not unreasonable to think that Reed could get an early call-up to take over at first base.
Nothing generates excitement in this game quite like the long ball, and if Reed produces power numbers even in the neighborhood of those he put up last season in the minors, he is going to be a compelling ROY factor.
Next: Joey Gallo
Joey Gallo
It seemed like Joey Gallo‘s breakthrough was going to happen a season ago, but his first taste of MLB action in 2015 didn’t quite go as planned. In 36 games, he slashed .204/.301/.417 with six home runs and 14 RBIs – not exactly the offensive firestorm some predicted.
He’ll hope to fare better this year, and with Josh Hamilton slated to start 2016 on the DL, Gallo should have a spot in the outfield. He could also fill in at third base for Adrian Beltre as needed. And given Hamilton’s not-so-rosy outlook for the season ahead, Gallo could very well claim his share of at-bats.
Another power hitter, Gallo eclipsed the 40-homer mark in the minors in 2013 and 2014. The 22-year-old has all the makings of a bona fide big league slugger, and if he can get the strikeouts under control, he could become a force in Arlington for years to come.
Next: Jose Berrios
Jose Berrios
It’s an exciting time for young players in Minnesota. Aside from the aforementioned Byron Buxton and last year’s breakout slugger Miguel Sano, the Twins also have a pitching gem in their farm system in Jose Berrios.
The 21-year-old right-hander put on a fine display last season in the minor leagues. He posted a 3.08 ERA over 15 starts at Double-A Chattanooga before being promoted to Triple-A Rochester. There he was even better, working a 2.62 ERA over 12 outings.
The Twins rotation could use an infusion of talent, so Berrios should see a legitimate opportunity in 2016. In an MLB.com scouting report, Bernie Pleskoff notes that Berrios throws hard (94-96 mph fastball) despite his unremarkable size (listed at 6’0″, 185 lbs). He also utilizes a sinking changeup and curve ball, and he changes speeds well to keep hitters off balance.
It’s not difficult to imagine the former first round draft pick flourishing at pitcher-friendly Target Field, so Berrios is definitely worth keeping in mind in the early stages of the AL Rookie of the Year race.