MLB Quarter-Season Awards: Who Is the National League Rookie of the Year?

Unlike the American League, the National League has a lot of solid candidates for Rookie of the Year. Players like Didi Gregrious, A.J. Pollack, Jedd Gyorko and Hyun-Jin Ryu are all producing for their respective teams, but they all are trailing two guys for this award.

This debate comes down to what you believe matters more: offense or pitching. On the offensive side of things, look no further than Atlanta Braves‘ Evan Gattis. Gattis is leading all NL rookies in home runs, RBI and fWAR. Also, his story is one of the most inspirational ones I have heard in quite some time, and everyone loves a good narrative.

If offense isn’t your thing, though, then St. Louis Cardinals‘ Shelby Miller is the man for you.

It almost feels like Miller has been around for a few years now, since we have heard about his greatness for quite some time. However, this is only Miller’s first year, even though his statistics tell an entirely different story. Miller leads all NL rookie pitchers in ERA, FIP and fWAR, meaning he is the best out there when it comes to rookie pitching.

Heck, Miller has been so good that you could even consider him for the Cy Young award as well.

So, what say you? Is Gattis or Miller your NL ROY? If I had a vote, I think I would lean Miller, but that is not a slight against Gattis whatsoever. However, I’m willing to bet that Miller’s staying power is greater than Gattis’, which is why Miller will probably win the award at the end of the season.