Three rookies you need to know about


By: Logan McKee, KCOU Sports
Unlike in other professional sports, prospects in Major League Baseball require more time to blossom into every-day contributors to their ball clubs. Of course, there is occasional young phenom that bursts right onto the scene after being drafted, but most draftees spend some time seasoning in the minor leagues before getting the call to the big leagues. Many prospects spend years in the minors before suiting up for a major-league ball club, and they can be forgotten about. This MLB season features many rookies breaking out of their shells and making a name for themselves in the show. Here are three names you should add to your fantasy team right now, because you’re going to hear their names a lot more in the future.
Steven Souza Jr., OF, Tampa Bay Rays
Souza, a 2007 third-round selection by the Washington Nationals, looks like he had found a home in Tampa Bay. In 100 AAA games last season, Souza clubbed 18 home runs, knocked in 75 runs, and swiped 28 bags. He also posted an impressive slash line of .350/.432/.590. The 26-year old has now found himself in the middle of the Ray’s lineup and he is making strides. He has already hit four homers and has four steals in the young season and he should be a solid bet for reaching 20 in both categories before season’s end.
Devon Travis, 2B, Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays have added even more pop to their lineup. Travis shows exceptional power for a second baseman and has proven to be a force on the base-paths as well. He is a career .323 hitter in the minors and that seems to have carried over into his first few weeks of major league ball. Thus far, the rook is slashing .385/.448/.712 with four homers and 15 runs batted in the young season. Travis looks like the real deal so look for him to continue to thrive in this dangerous Blue Jays lineup.
Kris Bryant, 3B, Chicago Cubs
This one is a little more obvious. Any dedicated baseball fan should already know this guy’s name. Bryant annihilated minor league pitching to a tune of 43 home runs, 110 runs batted in, and an outstanding .325 batting average. Bryant even stole 15 bases as if the slugging wasn’t enough. I’m picking Bryant to run away with the NL Rookie of the Year award and I foresee him striking fear into major league pitchers for years to come.

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