MLB Awards: 2017 NL Rookie of the Year Ballot
There were quite a few excellent performances amongst MLB rookies this season. Which of those rookies will take home the National League Rookie of the Year award this season?
The two Rookie of the Year awards are, in all likelihood, the easiest MLB awards to predict. Aaron Judge is the prohibitive favorite to take home the hardware in the American League. Meanwhile, his counterpart in the National League, Cody Bellinger, put together a season that was almost as impressive.
However, Bellinger faced solid competition, moreso than Judge. Rookies became a key part of several playoff teams, helping to lead those franchises to the postseason. On other, rebuilding franchises, rookies took over key positions, and appeared ready to take over for the next decade.
This season, several National League players appeared to be on the cusp of stardom. A case could be made for at least five or six players to be in the running for the award, even if Bellinger is the likely winner. The freshman talent this season was quite impressive all the way around.
Which of these players finished in the top three of my National League Rookie of the Year ballot? Let’s take a look around the league.
3. Josh Bell: Pittsburgh Pirates
Josh Bell made quite the impression with the Pittsburgh Pirates this season, appearing to be a future building block for the lineup.
It was a change from his debut last year. He had a brief 45 game stint in Pittsburgh last season, and while he showed potential, there were still some questions about his future. He had a decent .273/.368/.406 batting line, hitting eight doubles and three homers in 152 plate appearances. While those were solid enough numbers, Bell did not provide the power he had displayed in the minors.
That changed this year. The Pirates made Bell their starting first baseman, and he provided immediate results. On the season, Bell had a .255/.334/.466 batting line, slugging 26 homers and 26 doubles. He even played solid defense at first, finishing fourth in assists and third in double plays and range factor.
Moving forward, the Pirates are a team that may have a few moving parts. Andrew McCutchen may be on the move this offseason, and the Pirates are looking for players to build around. Bell appears to be that type of a talent, a player that could emerge as one of the leaders for Pittsburgh for into the next decade.
Josh Bell has begin to establish himself as a key piece for the Pirates. If he continues to develop, he may become one of the better young MLB first basemen.
2. Rhys Hoskins: Philadelphia Phillies
In just a bit under two months, Rhys Hoskins put himself firmly in the National League Rookie of the Year conversation. If he started the year in Philadelphia, the Rookie of the Year race may have been a lot closer.
Hoskins tore up the International League in his first taste of AAA. He remained in the minors until August 10, producing a .284/.385/.581 batting line, hitting 29 homers and 24 doubles. With his production, and the struggles of Tommy Joseph, it was a matter of time before Hoskins received the call.
In that brief time in the majors, he certainly impressed. He produced a solid .259/.396/.618 batting line, belting 18 homers. In a way, his performance looked a bit like Aaron Judge, as Hoskins also drew 37 walks and struck out 46 times in 212 plate appearances. He may not have had as extreme splits, but Hoskins was a bit of a Three True Outcome player himself.
With the Phillies in the midst of their rebuild, Hoskins certainly appears to be a potential cornerstone player. As they seek to find their way back to the postseason and respectability, Hoskins may well be a part of the next Core Four in Philadelphia. His power bat would certainly look great at first for the next decade.
Rhys Hoskins had a great start to his major league career. Had he spent more of the season at first, he could have made a stronger push as the Rookie of the Year.
1. Cody Bellinger: Los Angeles Dodgers
It took an injury for Cody Bellinger to be called up to the Dodgers. When he made his debut, he quickly established himself as one of the best first basemen in MLB.
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After spending his most of his time at first in the minors, the Dodgers were creative in getting Bellinger’s bat in the lineup. He made over 40 appearances in the outfield, and took over at first when Adrian Gonzalez could not stay healthy. Now, first appears to be Bellinger’s position for the next decade, with Gonzalez set to become a bench player.
For his part, Bellinger made that an easy decision. He made the All Star Game, and ended the season with an impressive .267/.352/.581 batting line, Despite missing most of the first month of the season, he slugged 39 homers, finishing second in the National League. Bellinger also showed solid speed, swiping ten bases.
Not only do the Dodgers have the highest payroll in the game, but their farm system is one of the best in the game. Not only do they have several pitchers coming through the ranks, but they were able to supplement their lineup with a top prospect like Bellinger. He could be a key part of a future home grown core for Los Angeles.
Next: AL Rookie of the Year Ballot
The unquestioned National League Rookie of the Year, Cody Bellinger has a bright future. He appears well on his way to becoming the next Dodgers star.