Is 1B Freddie Freeman NL Rookie of the Year?
With 18 home runs, 67 runs batted in, a .814 OPS and a .293 batting average, Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman is having a productive year by any standard.
But factor in his age ” 21 ” and the fact that he-s in his first full season in the big leagues and you begin to realize how special Freeman could become.
He leads all major league rookies in batting average, OPS, on base percentage, hits, doubles and runs. If you-re counting just the National League, you can add runs batted in and slugging percentage to the list.
Logically it follows that Freeman is a legitimate contender for National League Rookie of the Year honors.
He-s already claimed the Rookie of the Month award. Freeman swatted six homers and drove in 18 runs while batting .362 in July to claim that distinction.
If the Rookie of the Year award considered only hitters, Freeman would win it hands down.
A few rookie pitchers might challenge Freeman for the award.
His biggest threat may actually come from a teammate. Craig Kimbrel has notched 32 saves, has a 1.00 WHIP and a 2.00 ERA. Kimbrel also earned a trip to the All-Star Game.
Danny Espinosa, of the Nationals, and Antonio Bastardo, of the Phillies, could also make a push for the award.