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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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Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Devon Travis (29) reacts after he stuck out during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Devon Travis (29) reacts after he stuck out during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

AL Rookie of the Year

  1. Devon Travis, 2B Toronto Blue Jays – If we were handing out MLB awards (instead of AL/NL), Travis would be the choice among rookies. His numbers are flatly absurd at this point, with a .369/.419/.721 slash line and six home runs, and to be honest, Travis is a fringe MVP candidate at this juncture. Obviously, this level of production isn’t likely to continue, but the 24-year-old has made a fantastic first impression.
  2. Steven Souza, OF Tampa Bay Rays – Souza leads all MLB rookies in steals with four (tied with Philadelphia’s Odubel Herrera), and the former Nationals prospect also has power to go with that speed, blasting four home runs in 19 games. Batting average (currently .254) could be a concern given Souza’s massive strikeout rate (35.5%), but power-speed guys are tough to find, and he has all the tools of an above-average regular in the outfield.
  3. Dalton Pompey, OF Toronto Blue Jays – It seems ludicrous to include a player with a .205/.275/.370 slash line, but that is where Dalton Pompey sits after 80 plate appearances. Why is he here, you ask? Well, Pompey is an elite defensive player. The rookie outfielder ranks 9th in the majors (among all players) in defensive WAR, and Pompey’s speed and athleticism make it likely that he sticks around in the Jays lineup if he hits even a little bit. It helps Pompey’s case that the AL is void of ROY candidates after Travis and Souza, but defense still matters.

Next: NL Cy Young

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