MLB predictions: Possible 2019 Rookie of the Year candidates
It’s 2019, which means baseball will be played next month and the MLB Rookies will get a good chance to make an impact in Spring Training and beyond. Time for some MLB predictions on which rookies will have the most impact?
All eyes are already on a few of the MLB Rookies that made splashes in the 2018 season, but there are several underdogs who could turn heads, too. In our MLB predictions, which 2019 rookies could receive awards?
As youth has become a major asset in the MLB, rookies have become more valuable than in recent memory. And, the 2019 season will be loaded with young talent.
It seems as if every team in contention for the playoffs or not, has a potential Rookie of the Year candidate for the 2019 season. These young ballplayers have multiple tools at their disposals.
If they’re pitchers, they have velocity and poise on the mound. If they’re position players, they have speed, power, and agility. But, the big question is who will have the most of “it”? That thing that gets writers’ attention and earns the big award at the end of the season.
With the numerous potential candidates, there is bound to be some disagreement. Possibly on the level of the 2018 season as two-way player Shohei Ohtani won the award over Miguel Andujar of the Yankees. Both were power hitters with outstanding defensive abilities, too. Both were clearly deserving, but Ohtani’s ability to hit home runs and pitch took the cake in the AL. Ronald Acuna, Jr. was clearly the most deserving the the NL.
But, there were other rookies that certainly deserved some recognition. Daniel Palka of the White Sox hit 27 home runs – tying with Andujar. Nico Goodrum of the Tigers played every outfield and infield position (minus catcher and pitcher). Walker Buehler pitched like a seasoned veteran in the World Series. And, David Bote will go down in Cubs history after hitting several walk-off, clutch home runs. This short list isn’t complete without a nod to Juan Soto with the Nationals who hit .292/.406/.517 – yes, .406 OBP in 414 at-bats.
2019 should be just as exciting as an entirely new crop of rookies gets to show off their skills at the plate and between the lines. So, let’s get right into it and take a look at who could be the candidates for this season’s Rookie of the Year award.