National League Rookie of the Year: Five early candidates
By Jason Evans
1B Josh Bell – Pittsburgh Pirates
The 24-year-old first baseman was given a chance to play for the Pirates toward the end of last season. Even though he was slowed this spring recovering from knee surgery, Josh Bell has picked it up offensively and has showed why he was a second round pick back in 2011.
Bell is hitting just .238 this season, but his .785 OPS ranks fifth among NL rookies. His 30 RBI are third among rookies, and his 12 homers also rank third among National League rookies. He’s fourth in OBP and second in walks.
The Pirates are trying to hang on in the NL Central race and Bell has had a lot to do with it offensively. He’s first in homers, second in RBI and fourth in OPS among regulars for the Pirates thus far this season.
If they do decide to deal Andrew McCutchen at some point, Bell has the potential to be a part of the core of the next great Pirates team with Starling Marte and other prospects coming up soon. The Pirates shouldn’t have to worry about first base for years to come.