The first month of the 2015 MLB season is officially in the books, giving us a solid sample size into player production, including a diverse group of rookies. This season’s batch of standout newcomers is comprised of several young players fulfilling thus far on the preseason hype, as well as a few surprising older players who are finally getting a chance to show that they can be long-term contributors.
The season is indeed young, but these six players are currently the ones making solid runs at their respective league’s Rookie of the Year trophies.
National League
1. Joc Pederson – OF – Los Angeles Dodgers
.264 BA, .425 OBP, 9 HR, 19 RBI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lqbMYjL1IQ
Pederson is easily the biggest breakout star so far for this season. The Dodgers used Pederson sparingly in 2014, and inserted him into the lineup full-time in 2015. The decision has paid off immediately. Through 29 games, Pederson is currently in the NL top 10 in nearly every major batting statistic, which includes being 2nd in walks (24,) and 3rd in slugging percentage (.632.) He hasn’t been very flashy on the defensive side, but he’s doing what he’s supposed to in the outfield, racking up 63 putouts, three assists, and just one error in 67 chances. The Dodgers’ roster is pretty loaded, but it wouldn’t be out of the question to see Pederson emerge as the team’s best position player by season’s end — along with having Rookie of the Year to his name.
2. Kris Bryant – 3B – Chicago Cubs
.276 BA, .415 OBP, 1 HR, 17 RBI
After a drama-filled start to the 2015 season, Bryant has delivered since joining the Cubs lineup, although there are plenty of people out there wondering about his lack of home runs so far this season. Labeling his production as a disappointment might be going a bit too far, but it is perplexing somewhat. Still, for a player that came into his first major league season with a massive amount of attention and expectations, Bryant has delivered for the most part, displaying some patience at the plate with current walk-rate of 23%, although his strikeout rate is even higher at 40%. Still, his OBP is at a respectable level, and he should show improvement as the season wears on, especially when the home runs start coming.
3. Anthony DeSclafani – SP- Cincinnati
2-3, 36.0 IP, 2.50 ERA, 27 K, 1.11 WHIP
DeSclafani spent time with Marlins last season, but was well under the 50 innings pitched to qualify as a rookie. Since arriving in Cincinatti, he has been a very solid mid-rotation starter, keeping a very low ERA with barely any run support from the Reds’ offense. DeSclafani has been working on his curveball for the past year or so, but his low-90’s fastball and slider continue to be his go-to, keeping the ball in play in the infield for easy outs. His wins could increase if the Reds find a way to increase their offensive production, but it’s not that likely. Regardless, when his command is on, he gives them a great chance for a win, and should do so throughout the season.
American League
1. Devon Travis – 2B- Toronto
.287 BA, .358 OBP, 7 HR, 24 RBI
Travis was barely a blip on anyone’s prospect radar prior to 2015, but now, like Pederson in the NL, he finds himself in the top 10 of several batting categories, including both home runs and RBI. It remains to be seen if Travis can keep up his torrid pace as pitchers adjust to him, but the Blue Jays will take it for now, especially after struggling for consistent production from second base for years now.
Travis hasn’t had a multi-hit game since April 27th, but he sure made this hit count back on May 3.
2. Mark Canha – OF – Oakland
.255 BA, .314 OBP, 5 HR, 15 RBI
Originally drafted by the Marlins in 2010, the 26 year old Canha is finally getting an opportunity in the majors after a very solid spring, leading the A’s in home runs. Canha’s strikeout troubles have followed him from the spring, as he’s totaled 23 SO’s opposed to just seven walks. Despite his impatience at the plate, Canha has provided Oakland with some much needed power, while also displaying versatility — Canha has played eight games at first base, and has also made appearances as a pinch hitter, designated hitter, and third baseman.
3. Chris Martin – RP – New York Yankees
0-1, 12.2 IP, 3.55 ERA, 13 K, 1 SV, 5 HD, 1.18 WHIP
Speaking of older rookies, consider the case of 28 year old Chris Martin. Originally drafted 11 years ago, Martin went on to play in junior college, injure his shoulder, work at places such as Lowes and UPS, eventually engineer a comeback via independent leagues, and end up as a member of the Rockies last year, where he posted a 6.89 ERA in 15 innings of work, including 14 strikeouts. Fast forward to now, and Martin has become a surprising and crucial part of the Yankees’ bullpen.
So far the sample size is small, but very impressive. Martin has now pitched almost the same amount of innings as last season, but is yet to allow a home run, and has more strikeouts than innings pitched. He has been the best setup man New York could ask for so far, and if he keeps his fastball in the mid-90’s, and his slider on target, he should continue to rack up holds and an occasional save for the AL East-leading Yankees.
