Looking Into the Crystal Ball: Predicting the 2020 MLB Award Winners
By Rob Myerson
American League Rookie of the Year: Luis Robert – Chicago White Sox
The preseason third overall prospect according to MLB.com is going to begin 2020 in the spotlight. The 22 year old Cuban import signed a 6 year-50 million dollar extension over the off-season before ever playing a game in the major leagues. Being hailed as one of the new faces of the new-look White Sox, Robert has already prematurely been called “The Next Mike Trout” by fellow White Sox young star Eloy Jimenez. The expectations are certainly high for Robert, but there’s a lot to suggest that he’s up to the task of becoming the next great star of the South Side.
Robert tore up the minor leagues in 2019. He kept forcing the team’s hand to move him up the ladder, perhaps quicker than they initially intended to. After hitting .453 in high-A, the righty embarrassed AA pitching, hitting .314 and stealing 21 bags in 56 games. Robert’s 2019 ended in Charlotte where he crushed 16 home runs in 47 games for the White Sox AAA club.
After spending a ton of money in the off-season, the revamped White Sox won’t be able to sneak up on anyone. The same can be said about Robert’s place in the line-up where he won’t be hitting in a premier spot to the start of the season. His talent, however, will force the hands of the White Sox brass to move him up the order, where he will not only become the face of the team but perhaps be the guy who leads them to the playoffs, en route to American Rookie of the Year honors.