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MLB Awards Watch: How good is Chris Archer?

By Brad Rowland

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer (22) is congratulated by teammates after he pitched the fourth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer (22) is congratulated by teammates after he pitched the fourth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Joc Pederson (31) hits an RBI sacrifice fly during the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. The Dodgers won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Joc Pederson (31) hits an RBI sacrifice fly during the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. The Dodgers won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

NL Rookie of the Year

  1. Joc Pederson, OF Los Angeles Dodgers – Pederson has been a heralded prospect for some time, but reports that his arrival was unnecessarily delayed in Los Angeles are proving to be true. The talented outfielder currently posts a 21.9% (!) walk rate that places him second (behind only Bryce Harper) among all MLB players. Beyond that, Pederson is taking advantage of pitches when they are actually in the strike zone, hitting three home runs with a .556 slugging percentage in 73 plate appearances. Joc Pederson is the total package and then some.
  2. Anthony DeSclafani, SP Cincinnati Reds – Don’t look now but DeSclafani is sixth among MLB pitchers in ERA (1.04), and it doesn’t appear to be a fluke. The 25-year-old right-hander was the prize that the Reds acquired in sending Mat Latos to the Marlins, and DeSclafani has lived up to the billing with solid peripherals (7.27 K/9, 2.08 BB/9) and high-end stuff. His ceiling is probably less than a number one starter, but the early returns are strong here.
  3. Kris Bryant, 3B Chicago Cubs – With apologies to the likes of Yimi Garcia and Odubel Herrera, I’m taking Bryant in third place at this point. Yes, Chicago’s “Golden Boy” has only appeared in 10 games (46 PA), but Bryant has been as good as advertised with a .351/.478/.459 slash line. Amusingly, the otherworldly power Bryant displayed in the Spring hasn’t materialized yet, but he is taking walks and cutting down on strikeouts, and the Cubs are pleased.

Next: AL Rookie of the Year

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