Fansided

MLB Awards Watch: The final ballot

By Brad Rowland

American League outfielder Mike Trout (27) of the Los Angeles Angels celebrates with third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) of the Toronto Blue Jays after hitting a lead off home run against the National League during the first inning of the 2015 MLB All Star Game at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
American League outfielder Mike Trout (27) of the Los Angeles Angels celebrates with third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) of the Toronto Blue Jays after hitting a lead off home run against the National League during the first inning of the 2015 MLB All Star Game at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) leaps to throw out Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Adam Lind (not pictured) in the ninth inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) leaps to throw out Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Adam Lind (not pictured) in the ninth inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

NL Rookie of the Year

  1. Kris Bryant, 3B Chicago Cubs – What a debut. Bryant finished the season with a comfortable margin over any other NL rookie, to the point where he actually ranked in the top 10 in both fWAR (6.3) and bWAR (6.0) among all NL position players. He arrived with power (26 HR, .488 slugging), speed (13 SB) and impressive defense, and when you factor in that he was a key cog on a playoff-bound team, the case makes itself. Bryant’s margin of victory is as large as any award on the board.
  2. Matt Duffy, IF San Francisco Giants – As noted above, the gap between Bryant and Duffy is substantial, but that doesn’t mean that Duffy wasn’t quite effective in his first season with the Giants. The versatile infielder reached double-digits in home runs (12) and stolen bases (12) while posting a 116 wRC+, and Duffy made a significant impact on the defensive side. He probably will never ascend to the ranks of stardom given his modest power potential, but having a versatile defender on the infield is valuable and the Giants love him.
  3. Noah Syndergaard, SP New York Mets – If not for a late-season injury, this spot probably would have gone to Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Jung-ho Kang, but Syndergaard makes the list as the best rookie hurler. Cincinnati’s Anthony DeSclafani did it for longer (184.2 innings), but Syndergaard’s numbers (3.24 ERA, 9.96 K/9, 1.86 BB/9) really pop when compared with other rookies. It will be interesting to see how New York’s rotation stacks up in the future. For now Syndergaard may have the highest ceiling of the bunch.

Next: AL Rookie of the Year

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