The 2023 MLB Rookie of the Year race in the National League offers Corbin Carroll against everybody. However, this race has been all over the place, with several players coming through the cracks. The players trying to catch Carroll include two phenoms from the Cincinnati Reds. Both players have been on a roll and are ready to challenge others to the finish line. While there’s no way of knowing how the rest of the season will pan out, things are quickly picking up. We already covered the AL Rookie of the Year favorites yesterday, so here’s how the 2023 NL rookie class is coming out.
Editors note: All statistics are through July 9.
2023 MLB Rookie of the Year: NL Rookies
Elly De La Cruz, Cincinnati Reds
30 games isn’t much experience, but the 21-year-old has made a massive impact on the Reds. It feels like he’s played more than a month’s games. He hammered a 112 mph double in his first career game while showcasing his speed. Besides that, he’s the first Reds player to hit for the cycle since Eric Davis in 1989. De La Cruz is slashing .325/.363/.524 with a 131 wRC+. He still hits for power, runs fast, and is spectacular on the field, as he’s the only player in the last 50 years to steal second, third, and home with the same batter at the plate. The door is open for De La Cruz to win this year, as he’s the most exciting player in baseball right now.
Matt McLain, Cincinnati Reds
De La Cruz is the main attraction in Cincinnati, but McLain has been tremendous throughout the Reds youth movement. The 2021 first-round pick enters the second half of the season, hitting .300/.366/.512 with a 141 wRC+ and .878 OPS. He became the fastest Reds player in the modern era to record his 50 first hits, and he’s been a standout defensively at both middle infield spots. McLain ranks in the 80th percentile in Barrel% while ranking in the top 30 percent in xBA and xSLG. His fear is second to only Carroll among first-years in the majors, and he improved his walk rate to 13.6%.
Corbin Carroll, Arizona Diamondbacks
Carroll was a lock to win the award until De La Cruz arrived a month ago. Not only that, but Caroll did avoid a major should injury, the same shoulder that ended his 2021 campaign. Despite the slight scare, he’s still the favorite to win the award. He could be on track to finish as the NL Rookie Rookie of the Year and MVP finalist. He’s done plenty to make a case for being an award finalist. First, he’s already on par with Ronald Acuna Jr., the only player with over 15 home runs and 20 stolen bases. Second, he ranks in the league’s top half in HardHit%, Barrel%, xSLG, and wxOBA. His .938 OPS ranks fifth in the NL behind Matt Olson, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Acuna.
Honorable mentions: Francisco Alvarez, Spencer Steer, Kodai Senga, Jordan Walker, Andrew Abbott
Photo Credit: © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
Players mentioned:
Corbin Carroll, Elly De La Cruz, Eric Davis, Matt McLain, Ronald Acuna Jr., Matt Olson, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Francisco Alvarez, Spencer Steer, Kodai Senga, Jordan Walker, Andrew Abbott
