“New year, new me!” That phrase will be spoken by hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people within the next few weeks. Change seems to be as much of a new year’s tradition as fireworks and black eyed peas. But in another realm, the 2017 MLB rookies are hoping that a new year will bring the same results as previous years.
From Mike Trout and Bryce Harper in 2012 to Corey Seager and Michael Fulmer in 2016, rookies have exceeded expectations. This year’s rookies will strive to continue this trend. Below are four players set to continue the rookie run of dominance in 2017.
OF Manuel Margot- San Diego Padres
Manuel Margot has seen his baseball career take him from the Boston Red Sox to the San Diego Padres. He was the
prized player in the Craig Kimbrel trade in 2015, and it’s easy to see why. While posting a solid .424 slugging percentage, Margot also stole 162 bases over five minor league seasons. He profiles as a dynamic lead off hitter and has the inside track to the 2017 starting centerfield job for the Padres.
IF Yoan Moncada– Chicago White Sox
The talk of baseball since his departure from Cuba in 2014, Yoan Moncada achieved top prospect status after receiving comparisons to All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano. The Red Sox trade for pitcher Chris Sale in the offseason sent Moncada to the south side of Chicago, giving him the opportunity to take over at second base for the White Sox. Moncada brings an advanced batting eye, posting an on-base-percentage of .395 in parts of two minor league seasons, as well as elite speed, swiping 94 stolen bases. Moncada can bat anywhere from 1-5 in the lineup, giving the White Sox much needed flexibility.
OF Andrew Benintendi- Boston Red Sox
Andrew Benintendi burst into the majors at the end of the 2016 season.
Benintendi combined his even blend of speed and power to make it to the big leagues a year after being drafted. He provided a new dimension to a Red Sox lineup that was already one of the deepest in baseball. While his 2016 season was cut short due to injury, he is on track to start for Boston on Opening Day. Benintendi posted an impressive .540 slugging percentage across parts of two minor league seasons. He also posted more walks than strikeouts. He is set to provide Boston with a Rookie of the Year type season in 2017.
OF Aaron Judge- New York Yankees
Aaron Judge has as much power as any other rookie in the 2017 class, provided by his massive frame. Listed at 6′ 7″ and 275 lbs, Judge would seem to fit better on the hardwood than the diamond. But Judge uses his frame to his advantage, leveraging massive power from the right side of the batter’s box. Judge is also more physically advanced than the other rookies on this list, checking in at 24 years old. Judge mashed 56 homers in parts of three seasons in the minors, as well as posting a solid batting average of .278. He will provide plenty of massive moonshots this season, fitting into the Bronx Bomber lineup nicely.
As the MLB season approaches, these four players will look to build on solid minor league resumes and continue the run of rookie success in the majors. While many are looking to change in 2017, these four would love to just stay the same.
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