Rookie of the Year
AL: Byron Buxton
Stats Prediction: .250 AVG, 10 home runs, 35 RBI, 20 steals
The 22-year old outfielder struggled in his first MLB call-up, hitting a mere .209/.250/.326 over 129 at-bats. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2012 draft isn’t quite a polished hitter yet and could still struggle early on, but the upside is tremendous. Despite last year’s results deflating some of the hype surrounding Buxton, he remains the second best prospect ranked by MLB.com.
Even if Buxton’s bat isn’t ready yet, he is still an elite defensive player with blazing speed. The Minnesota Twins may need to send him back to Triple-A for more seasoning, but he’ll help this team at some point this season and could prove to be a difference maker in the second half of the season.
NL: Corey Seager
Stats Prediction: .300 AVG, 15 home runs, 70 RBI, 8 steals
The 21-year old shortstop impressed in a 27 game sample last year, slashing .337/.425/.561 in 113 plate appearances. We can’t expect that level of production over a full season, but his minor league track record shows he has the ability to hit for both average and power. Last year he racked up 58 extra-base hits across two minor league levels before making his MLB debut.
Seager is the top prospects in the game, according to MLB.com. He’s expected to be the everyday shortstop for the Dodgers to start the season, making him the runaway favorite for the league’s top rookie.
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