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MLB: Most Important Rookies for AL Playoff Teams

By Matthew Lively

Jun 16, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) walks back to the dugout against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Seattle Mariners defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 16, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) walks back to the dugout against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Seattle Mariners defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tyler Naquin – Indians

Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

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

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