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MLB Awards Watch: Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa battle for AL Rookie of the Year

By Brad Rowland

Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) smiles during the ninth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) smiles during the ninth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) hits an RBI single during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) hits an RBI single during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

NL Rookie of the Year

  1. Kris Bryant, 3B Chicago Cubs – With all due respect to the rest of MLB’s rookies, Bryant has been the best of the bunch by a considerable margin. Bryant leads the rookie class in fWAR (5.8), and he ranks among the top three in home runs (25), stolen bases (13), wRC+ (137) and various other categories. His defense has been solidly above-average as well. He is the complete package and a worthy recipient of the award.
  2. Matt Duffy, IF San Francisco Giants – Duffy continues to rake to the tune of a .301/.342/.432 slash line over 555 plate appearances, and he has been a nice surprise for the Giants. The difference in power between Duffy and Bryant makes this a large gap, but there is something to be said for versatility, and Duffy certainly provides it.
  3. Jung-ho Kang, IF Pittsburgh Pirates – Unfortunately Kang is gone for the year with injury, but if we are judging on the full body of work, he should still slot in directly behind Bryant and Duffy. His profile boasts more power (15 HR, .461 slugging) than Duffy with similar positional flexibility, and it is a shame that he will miss the rest of the year.

Next: AL Rookie of the Year

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