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MLB Awards Watch: David Price, Dallas Keuchel in two-way battle for AL Cy Young

By Brad Rowland

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher David Price (14) pitches against Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher David Price (14) pitches against Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) motions to the crowd after hitting a home run during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) motions to the crowd after hitting a home run during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

AL Rookie of the Year

  1. Francisco Lindor, SS Cleveland Indians – Lindor seemingly emerged from nowhere, and he has officially tracked down Carlos Correa for the top spot. Lindor’s claim to fame at this point is his Gold Glove-level defense, and that is where he makes up the gap with Correa at the plate. Still, Cleveland’s answer at shortstop has been better than advertised on offense (131 wRC+ in 412 PA), and that allows Lindor to outpace Correa in both fWAR and bWAR at the time of this post.
  2. Carlos Correa, SS Houston Astros – Let’s all agree that it would not be an injustice if Correa took home the AL Rookie of the Year hardware. His numbers at the plate (21 HR, 12 SB, 135 wRC+) have been incredibly impressive given his age and late arrival. Beyond that, he hasn’t exactly been a disaster defensively either. Still, Lindor’s meteoric rise has cast some doubt over Correa’s ROY candidacy, and the final week could mean a lot for both players.
  3. Lance McCullers, SP Houston Astros – There are a few other worthy candidates (namely Carlos Rodon), but McCullers’ ability to keep run prevention as a priority earns him the nod. His 3.21 ERA would be 6th overall in the AL if he qualified for the title, and even with only 120 innings of work, McCullers has had time to impress. Throw in a 3-to-1 strikeout ratio, and the future is very, very bright for the Astros with McCullers, Correa and others.

Next: NL Cy Young

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