Minnesota Twins rookie Max Kepler has been hitting the cover off the ball since being recalled from Rochester in June.
Kepler has done most of his damage over the last month. Since July 1st he has hit 13 home runs (only Brian Dozier has more home runs in that span) to go along with a .280 batting average and an OPS of 1.044.
Although Kepler’s been red-hot at the plate in a limited time, some have suggested he’s a likely candidate for the American League Rookie of the Year award.
Tonight American League rookie of the year candidate Max Kepler @kepleroni & The @Twins Red Hot Line-up take on TB Rays. #MNTwins @MLB
— Frank Conti 🎙🔊 (@FrankConti13) August 5, 2016
Is Max Kepler a realistic rookie of the year candidate? @RandBall takes a look. https://t.co/XOlwelsfom #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/ZpVuFSHW2W
— Star Tribune Sports (@StribSports) August 2, 2016
Twins Blog: Could Max Kepler Be AL Rookie Of The Year?: Minnesota Twins rookie outfielder Max Kepler has been… https://t.co/Hh7ju89oXs
— Minnesota Twins News (@MNtwins_news) August 3, 2016
Last years American League Rookie of the Year class was deep, but in 2016, the race is wide open. Here is Kepler’s competition with about two months left in the regular season.
Tyler Naquin
Naquin is roaming center field for the Cleveland Indians and has 13 home run as of August 5th. Similar to what Kepler has done, Naquin started to heat up in June and hasn’t looked back.
All of Naquin’s home runs have come since then, but his batting average has been consistent all season, hitting .330 through 206 at-bats.
Nomar Mazara
Mazara made the Texas Rangers roster out of spring training and got off to great start though the first two months of the season. However since June, Mazara is hitting just .266 and owns an OPS of .696.
His name was floated around the MLB trade deadline earlier this month when the Rangers were in the running for Chicago White Sox ace, Chris Sale but the Rangers weren’t willing to part with Mazara and rightfully so.
Michael Fulmer
Fulmer was acquired by the Detroit Tigers at last seasons trade deadline when Detroit traded Yoenis Cespedes to the New York Mets.
Fulmer was a top-100 prospect entering the 2016 and has delivered on those expectations. Since being called up from the minor leagues in late April, his 2.42 ERA is the best in the American League.
