MLB Awards Watch: Here comes Mike Trout (again)

July 26, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels right fielder Kole Calhoun (56) congratulates center fielder Mike Trout (27) after hitting a grand slam home run in the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jul 27, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) hits a walk-off home run during the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

NL Rookie of the Year

Kris Bryant, 3B Chicago Cubs – I’ve made the switch, as Bryant overtakes Pederson at the top. The difference between the two players remains quite thin, but Bryant has edged to the top in OBP (.358) and with his defensive and speed edges this season, that makes the case. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the two players went back and forth until late September, but for the first time this season, we have a new leader.
Joc Pederson, OF Los Angeles Dodgers – It isn’t as if Pederson hasn’t been tremendous, and he would be a clear leader in the AL chase. Still, he hasn’t quite been the same player since the first two months, and his numbers are beginning to show it. A 14.3% walk rate carries a great deal of water, and that helps him to a very solid .355 OBP, but a .230 batting average will turn some people off, and with good reason. The talent is real, but he’s been slumping for some time.
Matt Duffy, 3B San Francisco Giants – In a crazy twist, Duffy has actually chased down Pederson in terms of fWAR at 3.1 each. That isn’t to say that Duffy has been quite as good this season, but San Francisco’s unheralded rookie just continues to rake, with a .472 slugging percentage buoyed by 16 doubles. The gap is big after the top two, but Duffy is in a class by himself right now.

Next: AL Rookie of the Year

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