MLB: Most Important Rookies for AL Playoff Teams
With teams battling for a MLB playoff spot, many have relied on unlikely heroes to help carry them. Who are the most important rookies on playoff teams?
October 2nd is very far away. In fact, it’s just 43 days away. This date represents the end of the MLB regular season, and the last day to try and battle for a playoff spot. We’ve seen many teams take their season to game 162 in the most exciting fashion possible. And this year, it looks like it may be the same as years past.
With injuries to stars or lack of production by starters, many teams across the MLB have leaned heavily on rookies. These important rookies may have been up all season, or could have just been called up.
A rookie can be vital in many aspects to a clubhouse. They can provide a spark, a youth movement, or just serve as a desperately needed depth player. Regardless, it can be a huge advantage to have a rookie call-up at this point in the season, especially if they’re successful.
Major League players have most likely never seen these rookies play, and have very limited tape on them. This means a rookie pitcher can deceive hitters more easily as they work through the lineups for the first time, and hitters are still able to hide their weaknesses at the plate.
We’ve seen a lot of teams relying heavily on their farm system this season, and there have been a huge number of rookie stars. We’ll take a look at these stars and determine who the most important rookies are.
Next: Filling in where needed
Tyler Naquin – Indians
The Indians suffered a ginormous blow when it was reported last week that All-Star Michael Brantley would need season-ending surgery. Brantley has had an extraordinarily disappointing season, playing in just 11 games, and battling constantly with health issues.
The Tribe had been relying on a pair of young outfielders to get them through the hump until Brantley came back, but clearly that isn’t happening. So it looks like Tyler Naquin will remain a constant in the Indians lineup for the rest of the season and into October, should they make it.
Naquin certainly has the resume to compete for the Rookie of the Year award. He’s arguably been the best rookie hitter in the AL, and is possibly more valuable to his team than any other rookie.
Playing for a team that has the fourth best offense in the MLB, Naquin is shining in the Indians lineup. The centerfielder is hitting .315 with 13 home runs and 38 RBI’s. When he’s put the ball in play he’s batting .426, has an OBP of .376 and a slugging percentage of .591.
His Offensive runs above average, Off, is an extremely impressive 18.6. To compare, Mookie Betts had a 9.3 Off in his rookie season. Naquin certainly ranks as one of the top rookie outfielders of the past few seasons.
Filling in for Brantley isn’t an easy job. Switching from left to center is even harder, but Naquin has handled it all so well. He’s impressed Indians fans, and has been a true offensive threat. He could be a major contributor come October.
Next: An emerging ace
Michael Fulmer – Tigers
Michael Fulmer is a dominant major league player. Notice the difference, I said player not rookie. His rookie numbers are not only through the roof, but they are leading in categories not specific to rookies.
Fulmer’s 2.25 ERA leads the entire American League. His name is being thrown around as the potential Cy Young of the AL, and it seems like he has the Rookie of the Year wrapped up. He is baffling hitters on very good teams, and has been an ace for the Tigers.
After gaining some traction in the AL Central, the Tigers are just 3.5 games out of the Wild Card and could reach October to give the 23-year-old a chance to pitch in the one-game playoff to advance to the ALDS.
Michael Fulmer pitches the first complete game shutout by a Tigers rookie since Justin Verlander in 2006.
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) August 14, 2016
He leaves runners on base 83.3 percent of the time, and is striking out 7.73 batters-per-nine. In addition, he has an FIP of 3.47, which is good for any player, but great for a rookie, and has a WAR of 2.6.
The Tigers don’t have a very deep rotation, and Anibal Sanchez has had a horrible year. Without Fulmer, the Tigers might not have made it this far while still being in contention. He is easily the best rookie in the American League and may be the most important rookie in the MLB.
Next: A needed boost to the rotation
Dylan Bundy – Orioles
The Orioles have had a rough go at it after the All-Star break. They’ve had a tough time staying in first place and are currently tied for second in the East, 1.5 games behind the Blue Jays.
A major part of the issue has been their starting pitching. Their starters rank 24th in ERA and 21st in batting average allowed to opponents. In addition, they’ve allowed the 10th most total bases and are 25th in WHIP amongst starters.
That’s why Dylan Bundy is so important to the Orioles. The rookie is pitching with a 3.36 ERA and a left on base rate of 81.1 percent. He has an above-average WHIP of 1.29 and can even pitch out of the bullpen if needed, a very important trait in the playoffs.
Best respectful handling of a P this season--Dylan Bundy's last 5 starts:29.1 15 8 8 5 32. O's win 4 of 5
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) August 13, 2016
Bundy has stood out in a rotation that is dramatically underwhelming. Yovani Gallardo and Ubaldo Jimenez have both had bad seasons and have ERA’s over 4.11. Chris Tillman is day-to-day and Wade Miley hasn’t impressed anyone.
Bundy might not be the pitcher that Fulmer is, and he won’t even be in consideration for Rookie of the Year, but without him, the Orioles’ rotation would be without a second dependable starter.
Next: The new closer
Edwin Diaz – Mariners
Having a top bullpen has been such an important factor in recent playoffs. It helped the Red Sox in in 2013 and the Royals win last year. It even helped the Tigers lose in 2013 and 2014. So having a shutdown closer is a major advantage for a playoff team.
The Mariners have seemed to find their guy in Edwin Diaz. The fire-thrower is a regular of the 100 MPH club, and has been dominant in the ninth inning. In his 34 innings pitched, he has struck out a WHOPPING 62 batters. He has a 1.85 ERA and has saved eight games with 13 holds.
He has baffled some of the game’s best hitters, making strikeout victims in Mike Trout, David Ortiz, and Anthony Rizzo. The 22-year-old is leaving over 92 percent of runners on base and has allowed a .132 batting average to opponents when runners are in scoring position.
Diaz’s major strength is how hard he throws the ball. His averages on speed are as follows: four-seam fastball (96.3), two-seam fastball (98.1), sinker (95.8), slider (86.6), and curveball (88.2). Hitters have had major struggles timing him up, and throwing all of his pitches over 86 MPH makes it even tougher.
Next: Stewart on the hot seat?
The Mariners have a young, impressive closer. They are only three games out of the Wild Card and a shutdown guy in the ninth can help them cut down that lead. Diaz is an extremely important rookie for a team looking to make its way back in.