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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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Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) during the seventh inning against the Boston Red Sox at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) during the seventh inning against the Boston Red Sox at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

AL Rookie of the Year

  1. Francisco Lindor, SS Cleveland Indians – It’s hard to overstate just how good Lindor was after he arrived in Cleveland in June. Offensively, he was a revelation, posting a .313/.353/.482 slash line (128 wRC+) with 12 home runs and 12 stolen bases in only 99 games. Lindor really separated from the competition by using his glove, though, as the shortstop made waves as arguably the best defensive shortstop in the entire American League from day one. This was close to call, but Lindor never slipped down the stretch on the way to claiming the top spot.
  2. Carlos Correa, SS Houston Astros – It wouldn’t surprise me if Correa won the award. His offensive numbers are more impressive than Lindor’s, with 22 home runs and 14 stolen bases in comparable plate appearances, but Lindor’s defense is the difference. By no means is Correa is bad defender, but Lindor excels in a way that Correa simply can’t match at this point, and the modest advantage with Correa’s bat isn’t enough to make up for it in a single-season sample. Make no mistake, Carlos Correa will be heard from again in the near future.
  3. Lance McCullers, RHP Houston Astros – McCullers was overshadowed in a big way by teammate Correa, but the 22-year-old was electric after arriving to the big leagues. McCullers led AL rookie pitchers in fWAR (2.8) by a comfortable margin on the strength of a 3.22 ERA in 22 starts (125.2 innings), and he would have been in the mix with the top two if that extrapolated over a full season. Dallas Keuchel is the focal point of the Houston rotation, but McCullers is the future.

Next: NL Cy Young

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