Philadelphia Phillies prospect J.P. Crawford appears in position to begin the season as the team’s Opening Day shortstop. Can he end his first big league season as the National League Rookie of the Year?
Many baseball writers, fans, and statisticians have soured on once great MLB prospect J.P. Crawford. It took only one poor year for us to turn on the once heralded infielder for the Philadelphia Phillies.
After finishing strong at the end of 2017, there is some hope that the young shortstop can live up to the hype. With his rookie eligibility still intact, the best way to prove himself is to take home the Rookie of the Year.
How J.P. Crawford Wins ROY
It all begins with J.P. Crawford officially winning the starting shortstop gig in Philadelphia. Though he doesn’t carry the same cache as he once did, Crawford has the makings of an outstanding ball player.
The Phillies see this. It’s why they drafted him and had continued to advance him through the minor leagues. Their willingness to trade Freddy Galvis over the winter further represents how welcome they are to playing Crawford at shortstop regularly in 2018.
To see how close Crawford can get to winning this prestigious award for MLB newcomers, we must look at the field of competitors. Like with any year, apparent choices will be there will other surprise candidates will jump onto the scene.
Sizing up the Competition
Outfielder Lewis Brinson should find his way into the Miami Marlins’ reconstructed outfield from the jump. The highly-rated prospect acquired in the Christian Yelich trade is an early favorite to win Rookie of the Year. St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Alex Reyes is another name to watch among those beginning the season in MLB. His return from the Tommy John Surgery may offer some limitation. Still, Reyes is talented enough to put together a terrific season if healthy.
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After them, competition seems to equal out. Future Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna will certainly make some noise in 2018, but a partial season may steal away some consideration. Plus, after the way Dansby Swanson performed in his rookie season, it’s important always to remain cautious.
If Crawford can use the full 162 games on the 25-man roster to his advantage, it’s possible he wins the Rookie of the Year. Similar to Josh Bell last season, attendance can go a long way in earning votes.
One player, I like comparing Crawford with is Francisco Lindor. The Cleveland Indians shortstop never put up fantastic numbers in the minor leagues. In his 2015 rookie campaign, Lindor finished second to Carlos Correa of the Houston Astros. Had he played in more than 99 games, voters may have gone a different route. Crawford could conceivably perform at a similar level as Lindor did through his first season.
Internal Competition
Crawford isn’t just competing with players on the other 29 teams. The Phillies have several rookies on the 2018 roster. Catcher Jorge Alfaro is still Rookie of the Year eligible. When Scott Kingery finally makes his debut, Crawford may see a rival in his own dugout.
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The last member of the Philadelphia Phillies to win a Rookie of the Year was Ryan Howard back in 2005. Before him, it was Scott Rolen in 1997. The Phillies are due for another. With an incredible young team in place, why not J.P. Crawford?