Over the next couple of seasons, we are going to see some incredible young talent take over Major League Baseball. These guys have done their time in the minors, and are ready to show what they can do in the show. Here are some National League Rookie of the Year Candidates for the 2019 season.
1B Pete Alonso, NYM
Alonso is one of the top candidates this season, as the Mets put service time to the side and the kid made the roster out of big league camp. Last season n both Double-A and Triple-A, he displayed his raw power and showed just why he’s big league ready.
Alonso led the minors with 36 home runs while posing 116 RBI and a 1.012 OPS. He continued that success with a strong Spring Training. Over 21 games, he hit .368/.394/.647 with a 1.041 OPS, four home runs, and five doubles.
With no Yoenis Cespedes, the Mets are going to need Alonso to come in and be a force from day one. He certainly has the approach and the raw power to be that impact bat they need. Though he is 26-years old, Alonso will be a presence in the middle of the Mets lineup for a long time coming.
SS Fernando Tatis Jr. SDP
Like the Mets, the Padres put service time aside when it came to their 20-year old prospect. San Diego said they believe he is ready to contribute, and helps make them the best possible team.
He will join star free agent acquisition Manny Machado on a stellar left side of the infield. This is a huge upgrade from last seasons Opening Day drop of Freddy Galvis at short, and Chase Headley at the hot corner.
Tatis has done just about everything they could’ve asked of him in the minors. He also had a strong showing this spring, picking up six extra-base hits and posting a .835 OPS. He has the ability to come in and contribute from the get-go.
Tatis is going to be a star in this league for a very long time, and it starts with a strong rookie season. Machado, Tatis, and the rest of the young Padres are going to surprise a ton of people this season.
OF Victor Robles, WAS
In each of the past two seasons, Robles has received a sniff of the big leagues. Thus far in his career, Robles has played in 34 games and is hitting .277/.337/.506 with four doubles, three triples, and three home runs.
Without Bryce Harper, Robles and fellow youngster Juan Soto figure to command the Nationals outfield now. Robles has shown that he is more than ready to take over this league. He certainly has the tools and skill set to do that.
In Spring Training, he stole seven bases while picking up 17 hits over 53 at-bats. The National League East figures to be a highly competitive division, and the 22-year old Robles will help keep the Nationals in it.
3B Nick Senzel, CIN
Senzel suffered an ankle injury, and he will start out the 2019 season in the minors. Although, I do think the Reds will ultimately decide to call him up soon enough. I think this team is going to surprise a ton of people this season.
In addition to having Joey Votto and Eugenio Suarez, they picked up some impact bats in Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp. Senzel will prove to be another solid addition to this lineup. He’s primarily a third baseman, but has recently seen some work in the outfield.
During spring training, he had 12 hits in 39 at-bats with six doubles and four stolen bases. Watch out for Nick Senzel at some point this season, the kid is more than ready to produce in the show.
Others to Watch: Chris Paddack (SDP), Brendan Rodgers (COL), Ke’Bryan Hayes (PIT)
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