Braves Might Have Done It Again With Two Sneaky Rookie Of The Year Threats

“Braves might have done it again with two sneaky Rookie of the Year threats”

Again in 2022, the Atlanta Braves had been blessed with having two rookies that had been far and away the very best rookies of their class. Michael Harris II ended up successful because of posting an .853 OPS with sturdy protection, however there’s an argument that second place finisher Spencer Strider was even higher with a 2.67 ERA and gaudy strikeout numbers. What is really wild, although, is that historical past might be poised to repeat itself with Drake Baldwin and AJ Smith-Shawver.

Given the state of the Braves roster and what we noticed final season, few realistically thought that both Smith-Shawver or Baldwin can be within the place they’re proper now. Smith-Shawver has been very uneven to begin his profession and with Sean Murphy round, there wasn’t a transparent path to enjoying time for Baldwin. Nonetheless, issues broke in such a approach that not solely have each gamers grow to be integral to the Braves’ roster, however could be the present frontrunners for NL Rookie of the 12 months.

Braves’ AJ Smith-Shawver and Drake Baldwin early frontrunners for NL Rookie of the 12 months

Coming into the season, the 2 Braves rookies weren’t on the radar in the case of Rookie of the 12 months. The Dodgers’ Roki Sasaki was getting all the eye with names like Luisangel Acuna, Dylan Crews, and others within the combine as nicely. Nonetheless, a tough begin from Sasaki and each Smith-Shawver and Baldwin displaying out has changed the Rookie of the Year odds quite a bit.

Baldwin has the simplest case in the meanwhile. Regardless of solely enjoying in 29 video games, his 172 wRC+ is tops amongst all certified rookies in baseball and his 1.4 fWAR is second amongst rookie hitters to the A’s Jacob Wilson who has performed in 16 extra video games. On a charge foundation, Baldwin is clearly the very best rookie hitter thus far and, if voters’ historic lean in the direction of voting for hitters is any indication, that makes him a favourite within the NL race. Not unhealthy for a man that was pressed into service because Murphy got hurt.

Smith-Shawver’s case is a bit trickier, however nonetheless sturdy. He suffers somewhat bit as a starter who hasn’t began a full slate of video games resulting from being within the minors for a portion of the season, he nonetheless ranks sixth by fWAR amongst rookie arms and his 2.33 ERA has solely been bested by the White Sox’s Shane Smith. Whereas the trail for AJSS is more durable as a result of he’s a pitcher who’re apparently held to a better customary in ROY voting when you title is not Paul Skenes, he’s going to be firmly within the dialog if he retains this up.

It’s enjoyable to have this type of déjà vu. On the finish of the 2022 season, everybody had an opinion as to which of Harris II or Strider ought to win the Rookie of the 12 months {hardware}. If developments maintain, we might be having the very same kind of dialog with Smith-Shawver and Baldwin on the finish of this season.