With ample opportunity to play for the Miami Marlins, could Lewis Brinson be the favorite for NL Rookie of the Year?
When trades are made, sometimes that leads to opportunities, especially for younger players. For the Miami Marlins, the rebuilding program is underway with a fire sale of trades, including their entire outfield last season of Giancarlo Stanton, Christian Yelich, and Marcell Ozuna.
One of the prospects the Marlins got in those trades is a former first-round pick, centerfielder Lewis Brinson from the Brewers as a part of the Yelich deal. Brinson had a cup of coffee with the Brewers last year and is in position to break camp and be in Miami for opening day in center. Could Brinson have a leg up on the competition for Rookie of the Year because of this?
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Spring training stats don’t mean a lot, however, the 23 year old has gotten off to an impressive start, hitting .333 with a .949 OPS. In the minors last year, he hit .331 with a .962 OPS.
While the Miami Marlins aren’t a perfect situation baseball wise and don’t have a look of a team who’s trying to win a pennant in 2018, it’s a good situation for Brinson. He will have veterans around him like Martin Prado and Starlin Castro who he can learn from. He’s going to get playing time as the center fielder. If he goes into a 2-21 slump? Hang with em kid; we’re going to run you out there anyway. It’s not like Willie Mays in his prime is on that bench pushing for playing time.
The fact that Brinson will more than likely play every day and start the season with the club can give him that leg up for Rookie of the Year. Secondly, because of the lack of offensive punch on the Marlins, Brinson may have to opportunity to put up some numbers and hit higher up in the order than other rookies might.
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For the Miami Marlins, this year represents a chance to take a look at some prospects. Lewis Brinson has power, speed and a golden opportunity to show off his talents. That combination could lead to a Rookie of the Year Award in 2018.