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2019 MLB Season: the top five rookies in baseball

By Edward Lennon

CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 20: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on September 20, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 20: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on September 20, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2019 MLB Season: Top Five Rookies

Eloy Jimenez, OF, Chicago White Sox

Coming in as the fifth most impressive rookie of 2019 is former top international free agent Eloy Jimenez. The young Dominican-native displayed a plethora of power, smashing 30 home runs and 79 RBI through 118 games.

The slugger is a goal-oriented competitor. He challenged himself to hit 30 home runs in his first season. He made sure that happened. He is the third rookie in White Sox history to hit 30 or more home runs in their rookie season.

Ever since he returned from the Injured List in July, he has been on fire. With 23 RBI since September 1st, he is leading the league since then.

The 22-year-old is one of the highest-paid rookies there ever were. Prior to making his major league debut, Jimenez signed a six-year, $43 million contract extension with the White Sox.

Jimenez says he has high expectations for himself because he knows others truly believe that he is going to be a star. He wants to hit 50 home runs next season and break the White Sox home run record, set by Albert Belle with 49 home runs in 1998.

Jimenez’s main improvement needs to be striking out less. That is something he did too often this season if he wants to take the next step as a player.

The White Sox acquired Jimenez in 2017 from the Chicago Cubs in a trade for starting pitcher Jose Quintana.

Next year will be his first full season and his power will most certainly be on display.

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