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MLB Awards Watch: Max Scherzer dominates the National League

By Brad Rowland

Washington Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches in the sixth inning during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches in the sixth inning during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner (10) congratulates center fielder Joc Pederson (31) after Pederson scored in the third inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner (10) congratulates center fielder Joc Pederson (31) after Pederson scored in the third inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

NL Rookie of the Year

  1. Joc Pederson, OF Los Angeles Dodgers – Pederson has cooled considerably, especially in the area of batting average, but a sizable cushion remains between him and Bryant in second place. At this point, I’m not sure that a 40-home run pace is sustainable for Pederson, but 17 home runs in 63 games is nothing to sneeze at, and a 16.7% walk rate tells an encouraging tale about his plate discipline at this early stage. He is the total package.
  2. Kris Bryant, 3B Chicago Cubs – In an ironic twist, Bryant has arguably been the better “pure” hitter between himself and Pederson, but he is trailing in the power department. Chicago’s wunderkind entered MLB with the promise of insane power, and it is coming, but he is making his bones with a .403 on-base percentage (14.0% walk rate) right now. Bryant may not come as advertised, but he may be performing better in the overall picture than anyone expected.
  3. Jace Peterson, 2B Atlanta Braves – The gap between Pederson/Bryant and everyone else is enormous, but we’ll tab Peterson for 3rd-place honors this week. At the plate, he has been nothing special this season, with a .284/.354/.379 slash line and only 2 home runs in 59 games. However, Peterson is a Gold Glove-level second baseman with a wRC+ over 100, and that is a coup for the Braves.

Next: AL Rookie of the Year

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