MLB Awards Watch: Top 5 AL ROY candidates thru April

Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
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5. Tyler White – HOU

Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

.238/.300/.476, 6 R, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 0 SB, 0.4 WAR

Tyler White won Houston’s starting first baseman gig out of spring camp and it’s translated into some success for him. His torrid start over the first few weeks this season saw him hit .395 with four home runs and 11 RBI. He’s since cooled off considerably, hitting just .095-1-3 over the final two weeks of April.

Even still, his season line rests at .238/.300/.475 — not bad at all considering there are seasoned veterans who put in worse performances in April. This season marks White’s first ever facing live MLB pitching, so there’s plenty of room for him to grow and develop, especially at 25 years of age.

Chris Carter is no longer around to push him out of playing time and Jon Singleton can’t seem to make a successful transition from the minors to the majors, but top prospect A.J. Reed could be the guy who White eventually loses his job to if he doesn’t become more consistent. Reed is currently slashing .260/.363/.519 with five homers and 18 RBI for Triple-A Fresno.

Next: Number 4