Fansided

5 rookies who could impact the MLB playoff race

By Joshua Sadlock

Jun 24, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager (5) looses his helmet on the way to score a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager (5) looses his helmet on the way to score a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 12, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager (5) makes a play in the first inning of the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager (5) makes a play in the first inning of the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Corey Seager, SS
Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers are in a dogfight with the San Francisco Giants in the NL West. Injuries have decimated their rotation and lineup, but Seager has been a consistent force all season. With Trevor Story of the Colorado Rockies down for the rest of the season, Seager has all but locked up the NL Rookie of the Year Award.

The shortstop, whose brother, Kyle, will also play a starring role in the pennant race with the Seattle Mariners, has a .321/.375/.540 line on the season with 22 home runs and 61 RBIs. If his form holds down the stretch, Seager will finish the year with over 200 hits, over 40 doubles and over 30 home runs. Those numbers are almost unheard of for a rookie shortstop. Were it not for Daniel Murphy picking up right where he left off last year, Seager could be viewed as a threat to win the NL MVP.

Overall, Seager is as polished as any 22-year-old rookie has been in the history of MLB. He sprays the ball to all fields with power, and seems in control of every big moment on the field. Seager had a rough five games in last year’s postseason after a September call-up, but with a full season under his belt, should be prepared to lead the Dodgers in the playoffs. If their best player stays hot, the Dodgers should hold off the Giants and claim a second-straight division title.

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