Could the Cubs have the NL Rookie of the Year in 2015?

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This year’s version of the Chicago Cubs comes with a bit of excitement. Some of it may be a bit misplaced, but enough happened this winter that we can indeed be hopeful for better days ahead. With the winter weather dreary (even for me here in North Carolina), I thought we’d start to “think spring”. Pitcher and catchers will report in a little over a month. While we can’t be sure of all of the roster, there are a few that will either be in Chicago to start the season, or won’t be far behind.

So of this group I have in mind, I started wondering which – if any – could possibly win the National League Rookie of the Year Award. It truly is an imperfect science to predict the success of a prospect once he makes it to the Show. “Can’t miss” prospects all too often do, and others fly under the radar – like a Craig Biggio – and become Hall of Famers. So which Cubs’ prospect has the best chance at it?

Next: First on the list...

KRIS BRYANT – 3B/OF?

Mar 10, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman

Kris Bryant

signs autographs prior to the game against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The legend of Kris Bryant precedes him. In less than two seasons of professional baseball, Bryant has set a remarkably high bar for himself. And as fans, we’ve elevated expectation any higher. Based on any bit of press you read about him, anything less than a batting title, home run title and Rookie of the Year would be a disappointment. This is of course ridiculous. But what are the real expectation of him this season?

It’s difficult to get a true read on where Bryant will start the season. All signs seem to point to Triple-A Iowa, as the Cubs will look to avoid starting his arbitration clock to save another year. But if he’s ready, I mean REALLY ready, then what? If something was to happen to Bryant, an injury of any type while at Triple-A, the organization would never hear the end of it. In everyone’s eyes, he shouldn’t have been there. I personally can’t remember hearing anything like this with any other prospect, but I may have either been oblivious to it, or just didn’t care.

While we are all aware of what Bryant can do at the plate, where exactly he plays might be the question. The Cubs truly don’t have an incumbent at third base. But there has been plenty of talk that he could see time in the outfield. Which if that’s the case, if Bryant does start in Iowa, that needs to be the only positions he plays. Arismendy Alcantara got a short training run in the outfield before being called up. and while he seemed to man center field well, I believe the mental focus in the field took away from him at the plate. He may very well overcome that this season, but could the same happen to Bryant?

Now, I’m not comparing Bryant to Alcantara. I’m not insane. But it’s not about their physical makeup, but the mental side of the game. Being called up, then asked to play out of position, all while trying to have success at the plate to prove yourself? I’ll point something out, that I’m not saying is the reason, but just hear me out. Alcantara and Javier Baez both played “out of position”, although Baez saw some time at second base, and I feel like that switch isn’t near as difficult as moving to the outfield. One of the only rookies to not have to play out of position?

Next: Soler has solid debut

JORGE SOLER – OF

Sep 18, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder

Jorge Soler

(68) hits an RBI single against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Jorge Soler was one of the few to not be forced out of position on his arrival in Chicago. And while his sample was the smallest at 24 games, it was the most successful of the positional players. Soler hit .292, with five home runs and 20 RBIs, while slugging .573. He also added two outfield assists, showing off his arm in right field. So does his experience from playing in Cuba give him an edge? He and Bryant are around the same age, so should we expect similar result from both of them?

One of the biggest differences in Soler from Alcantara and Baez – which makes him similar to Bryant – is his understanding of the strike zone. Soler found himself ahead of the count often. Only 14 times all season did he find himself in an 0-2 count, and carried a .339 average on BABIP (Avg on batted balls in play). Fangraphs Simply put, he worked the count, and gave himself the best chance for contact.

In his short time in Chicago, Soler appeared to be a more complete player than the rest of the rookies. While only 22-years-old, he seemed to have an uncanny knowledge of the strike zone, and didn’t seem to be pressing too hard. But again, in 24 games, he never really had time to “slump”, so the 2015 season will be huge for Soler and the Cubs.

Next: And the darkhorse is....

ADDISON RUSSELL – INF

Oct. 14, 2014; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop

Addison Russell

plays for the Mesa Solar Sox during an Arizona Fall League game against the Scottsdale Scorpions at Salt River Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

This is probably more than a darkhorse, because it’s hard to say when we will see Addison Russell at Wrigley Field. But since Baseball Prospectus actually moved him AHEAD of Kris Bryant, the possibility is at least there. The Cubs trade with the A’s was a glorified robbery. The Cubs got Russell, Billy McKinney (No. 6 on BP), and pitcher Dan Straily.

Russell has the capability to be a Gold Glove winner at the Major League level. His range, speed and arm strength gives him a chance at almost every ball hit his way. His skill set may also allow for a position shift with him if necessary.

He’s got quick hands at the plate, and hit’s to all fields. He missed some time with a hamstring injury before being dealt to Chicago, but seems to have no ill effects from it. He has average speed, but is a smart baserunner, and that goes a long way after some of what we’ve seen on the bases in the past years for the Cubs.

With Russell, it’s another question of not just when, but where? He’s another shortstop to add to Starlin Castro and Baez. If Bryant does make a successful transition to the outfield, it’s possible you could see some shuffling among Castro, Baez and Russell on the infield. May feel like second base might be a better fit for Castro, although he did make great strides last season in the field.

Maybe we can get lucky and have another 1989 situation with the Cubs taking the top two spots in NL ROY voting. (Jerome Walton, Dwight Smith). In this case though, I don’t think any of these guys are going to fade away after one season.

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Could the Chicago Cubs have the NL Rookie of the Year in 2015?

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