2017 Rookie of the Year Candidates
The Favorites
American League: Andrew Benintendi, BOS
Retaining his rookie status due to a knee injury in August of last season, Benintendi is the clear favorite to win the American League Rookie of the Year award. The 2015 first rounder soared through the Red Sox farm system, logging only 151 games while never hitting lower than .295 on his way to the majors. In 34 games with the BoSox last season, Benintendi slashed .295/.359/.476, which may be his floor judging from his minors stats. If Benintendi from 2016 is any glimpse of what we will see in Boston this coming season, he should have no problem running away with the AL Rookie of the Year and being a difference maker for years to come.
National League: Dansby Swanson, ATL
Like Benitendi, Swanson barely held onto his rookie eligibility, hitting in 129 at bats in 2016 — one less than the rookie cutoff. After being called up by the Braves in August, Swanson left no doubt in the minds of the baseball world about the winner of the already heavily criticized Shelby Miller trade. Slashing an impressive .302/361/.442, Swanson was one of the Braves’ best hitters for the short time he was with the club; it can be expected he will lead an improved Atlanta squad in 2017.
The Pitchers
American League: Jharel Cotton, OAK
A main asset acquired by the A’s in sending Josh Reddick and Rich Hill to the Dodgers, Jharel Cotton made an immediate impact for the Athletics, pitching to an impressive 2.15 ERA in 5 starts with the big club. While there is no expectation that Cotton can sustain these numbers, steamer projects a respectable 4.09 ERA and 2.4 WAR for the AL West rookie. With a relatively open path to the A’s rotation, Cotton will likely have an opportunity to build off of his successful 2016 debut. Starting many of his games in the pitcher-friendly home of the A’s should also assist Cotton in his bid for 2017 AL Rookie of the Year.
National League: Alex Reyes, STL
Baseball America’s top pitching prospect will look to leverage his late success from the 2016 season into a job in the Cardinals rotation in 2017, while attempting to avoid further off-field issues that have plagued Reyes in the past. After failing his second drug test in late 2015, Reyes was forced to sit out 50 games, but his performance on the field never faltered. Reyes climbed up the Cardinals system in 2016, coming up late in the season to fulfill a relief-type role. During Reyes’ time in the bigs, he was nearly untouchable. If Reyes is able to beat out Michael Wacha for the fifth starter role in St. Louis, look for him to continue dominating hitters in 2017.
The Long-Shots
American League: Yoan Moncada CHW
It is hard to claim that BA’s No. 2 rated prospect is a “long-shot” to win the Rookie of the Year, but recently acquired Yoan Moncada faces some hurdles heading into the 2017 season. Moncada was traded from the Red Sox to the south side of Chicago in a blockbuster trade this offseason, and will be a cornerstone piece for the Sox for years to come. But his path to playing time in 2017 is murky, with established Major Leaguers Brett Lawrie and Todd Frazier penciled in at second and third base respectively. With White Sox GM Rick Hahn stating his top prospect will likely start the season in AAA, Moncada would require a trade or injury to have a true shot at taking home any MLB hardware this season.
National League: Hunter Renfroe, SDP
With the likes of Reyes and Swanson the far-and-away favorites to win the Rookie of the Year in the National League, it would take an impressive 2017 by someone else to remove the spotlight from the favorites. Outfielder Hunter Renfroe of the Padres illustrated that potential with his short stint in 2016, showcasing his raw power potential — hitting 4 homers in only 11 games. Renfroe will look to surpass his total of 30 home runs in AAA last season, while potentially anchoring a suspect Padres offense.
On Deck
American League: Rowdy Tellez, TOR
Tellez, a Blue Jays 1B prospect, has the raw tools to compete and slug at the Major League level, but it is unlikely he will be given the opportunity to prove it this coming season. With a combination of veterans blocking his path to playing time and the Jays’ brass being historically patient with prospects, Tellez will likely have to wait to try and make this list again next year. Tellez caused heads to turn in AA last year, showcasing his raw power and an impressive eye at the plate. Don’t expect Rowdy to compete for the AL ROY this coming season, but an injury to Justin Smoak or Kendrys Morales combined with a stellar spring could potentially land Tellez a spot on the Jays’ roster.
National League: Ozzie Albies, ATL
Until recently, Albies may have been a favorite to challenge his teammate Swanson for the NL award. But with the acquisition of 2B Brandon Phillips it is clear the Braves want Albies to develop further before he makes the jump to the majors. Albies grades out with plus fielding, a solid bat, and scorching speed — enough to earn 11th on Baseball America’s top prospect list coming into the 2017 campaign. If given an opportunity to play, Albies could, very literally, run away with the Rookie of the Year award.
