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MLB Awards Watch: How real is Dallas Keuchel?

By Brad Rowland

Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) rubs the baseball between pitches against the Houston Astros in the first inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) rubs the baseball between pitches against the Houston Astros in the first inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Joc Pederson (31) singles in the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Joc Pederson (31) singles in the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

NL Rookie of the Year

  1. Joc Pederson, OF Los Angeles Dodgers – This continues to be a runaway, though Pederson’s pace has slowed considerably. The multi-talented outfielder has 12 home runs in 44 games, and he has nearly operated as a three true outcome player, striking out 30.2% of the time while earning a walk in 17.3% of his plate appearances. Pederson’s defense has been top-shelf in the outfield as well, and while he doesn’t need a tiebreaker to hold the top spot, that will come in handy down the line.
  2. Kris Bryant, 3B Chicago Cubs – Bryant’s superhuman plate discipline from the early going has leveled off a touch, but the uber-prospect has still been impressive since his arrival. For the year, Bryant now has six home runs and five stolen bases to go along with a .400 OBP, and a 142 wRC+ at 23 years old is nothing to sneeze at, even with the wild expectations he was exposed to in the Spring.
  3. Anthony DeSclafani, SP Cincinnati Reds – The Reds are a mess at the moment, but their rookie starting pitcher has been quite effective. DeSclafani has posted a 3.46 ERA through nine starts and 52 innings, and while the peripherals indicate that a small regression could be on the way, it is easy to see why Cincinnati coveted the youngster as a trade chip in the off-season.

Next: AL Rookie of the Year

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