The 2016 MLB Rookie of the Year awards were handed out Monday night, making this the perfect time to look ahead to who might make up next year’s crop of candidates for the honor.
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager was a unanimous selection in the National League, while Detroit Tigers pitcher Michael Fulmer took home the American League award, per BBWAA.com.
So who’s next?
Being an early Rookie of the Year candidate is as much about opportunity as it is about talent and upside.
First baseman Josh Bell (PIT), left fielder Andrew Benintendi (BOS), starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow (PIT), right fielder Aaron Judge (NYY), center fielder Manuel Margot (SD), right fielder Hunter Renfroe (SD), starting pitcher Alex Reyes (STL), shortstop Dansby Swanson (ATL) and first baseman Dan Vogelbach (SEA) are among the rookies who appear to have a clear path to significant playing time in 2017.
They’re by no means the only candidates, though.
As we saw this past season, it only took two months of action for New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez to earn a place among the AL finalists.
With all of that in mind, what follows are some early odds on the top prospects who will battle for Rookie of the Year honors in 2017.