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MLB Awards Watch: The Explosion of Bryce Harper

By Brad Rowland

Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) hits a three run home run during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) hits a three run home run during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Joc Pederson (31) hits a single in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Joc Pederson (31) hits a single in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

NL Rookie of the Year

  1. Joc Pederson, OF Los Angeles Dodgers – Pederson continues to post one of the more unusual stat lines in recent memory. The rookie outfielder has already blasted 10 home runs in just 37 games (148 PA), but he has appeared to be a “3 true outcome” performer of the highest order, with an 18.9% walk rate and a massive 30.4% strikeout rate. Pederson’s .233/.388/.534 slash line will have some adjustment coming, but you can’t ignore the power and defensive aptitude to this point in the season.
  2. Kris Bryant, 3B Chicago Cubs – Kris Bryant is a power hitter again! The 23-year-old has two home runs since we last visited you in this space, and his slugging percentage has risen to an impressive .476 overall. Throw in an 18.6% walk rate that helps him to form a .426 on-base percentage, and Bryant has been quite good since arriving on the scene at an infamously delayed date.
  3. Chris Heston, SP San Francisco Giants – Heston edges out Cincinnati’s Anthony DeSclafani for the honor of “best NL rookie pitcher” to this point, and that is surprising. The 27-year-old does not have an impressive array of offerings, but in eight starts, Heston has kept his ERA (3.72) in check with reasonable peripherals (3.33 xFIP) and very good control (2.26 BB/9). I continue to be skeptical about his performance moving forward, but we must evaluate on what has transpired, and Heston has been quite good.

Next: AL Rookie of the Year

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