MLB awards: Way-too-early 2019 award predictions
By Drew Douglas
NL Rookie of the Year: Victor Robles, Washington Nationals
After Juan Soto came up short in the 2018 NL Rookie of the Year race, his teammate Victor Robles will win the award in 2019. Robles, a 21-year-old center fielder, will finally get his chance to be an everyday player in 2019.
Part of the reason that the Nats are not seen as desperate to re-sign Bryce Harper is because they have already have Robles within the organization. Even if Harper signs elsewhere, the Nats’ outfield will be in good shape.
As Washington’s top prospect and the fourth-ranked prospect in baseball, Robles has the potential to be one of the most exciting players in the league for years to come. He possesses 75-grade speed, which he utilizes both on the basepaths and in center field. In 2017, when he made his debut, he hit two triples in just 24 major league at-bats.
After earning a spot on the postseason roster with a strong cup of coffee in 2017, Robles was expected to make an impact in 2018. However, after hyperextending his elbow in early-April as a member of the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs, he did not make his major league season debut until September 4.
Robles started slow after getting his call to the big leagues in 2018, but eventually caught fire. When all was said and done, he slashed .288/.348/.525 with three homers, three doubles, a triple, 10 RBI, and three stolen bases in 21 games.
With Harper likely out of the picture, Robles will finally get his shot and take full advantage of it.