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MLB Awards Watch: Josh Donaldson, Todd Frazier mount charge

By Brad Rowland

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a home run in the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Twins won 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a home run in the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Twins won 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Dodgers pinch hitter Alex Guerrero (7) is greeted by left fielder Joc Pederson (31) after hitting a two run home run in the fourth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Dodgers pinch hitter Alex Guerrero (7) is greeted by left fielder Joc Pederson (31) after hitting a two run home run in the fourth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

NL Rookie of the Year

  1. Joc Pederson, OF Los Angeles Dodgers – Pederson has cooled off in some respects, but the season-long numbers are startlingly impressive. He has been the wire-to-wire leader for a few reasons, but chief among them is a .550 slugging percentage and 14 (yes, 14) home runs in early June. No one believes that the multi-talented outfielder is going to hit 40 home runs, but a head start never hurts.
  2. Kris Bryant, 3B Chicago Cubs – Bryant got a late start on the season, but the top prospect in baseball has taken full advantage of his call-up. He has 7 home runs and 5 stolen bases in just 41 games, and Bryant’s plate discipline (14.8% walk rate) has been a welcome surprise. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Bryant give Pederson a legitimate run for the award in the second half of the season.
  3. Alex Guerrero, 3B/OF Los Angeles Dodgers – Guerrero is neck-and-neck with a few other rookies (Jorge Soler, Anthony DeSclafani, etc.), but it is tough to ignore his potential impact. The 28-year-old has impressive power, and he has displayed that with 9 home runs in only 99 plate appearances this season, leading all MLB rookies with a .656 (!) slugging percentage. The sample size is small, but the tools are legitimate and Guerrero could be in line for increased playing time as the season progresses.

Next: AL Rookie of the Year

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