MLB Predictions: 5 National League Central Rookie of the Year Hopefuls

The National League Central is the best division in all of baseball. Not only do they have a strong group of candidates to win the Cy Young and MVP Awards for the NL, but they have a great group of rookies, too. Here is a look at five players who could win the Rookie of the Year Award in 2015.

5. Corey Knebel (Milwaukee)

Knebel will start the year at AAA, but as the key piece of the Yovani Gallardo trade he has a big future at the backend of the Brewers’ bullpen. He looked good throughout the spring and has the capablity to be the team’s future closer for a long time. While he is a long shot to win the award, he could open eyes when called upon.

4. Marco Gonzales (St. Louis)

Like Knebel, Gonzales will start the year in AAA, but with may question marks in the rotation he could be pitching for the Cardinals very soon. The first-round 2013 selection impressed this spring going 3-0 with a 1.04 ERA in five appearances (four starts) and if their is an injury he will more than likely be the next man to fill in.

More from Reviewing the Brew

• Brewers: 4 Players Who Must Step Up for the Crew to Make the Playoffs
• Brewers: Yet Another Huge Promotion For Top Prospect Jackson Chourio
• Brewers Making Colossal Mistake With Corbin Burnes’ Contract
• Which Players May Be In The Final Month Of Their Brewers Careers?
• Brewers: Where Does Devin Williams Stand In NL Reliever Of The Year Race?

3. Tyler Glasnow (Pittsburgh)

Glasnow has yet to pitch in AA, but he could be pitching on the Pirates roster by mid-season. After an awesome season in 2014 in which he went 12-5 with a 1.74 ERA he could be on the fast-track to the majors. If he gets off to a fast start, he could have the same type of effect on the team that Gerrit Cole had in 2013.

2. Jorge Soler (Chicago)

Soler showed off his power last season by slugging five home runs in his first 24 games in the big leagues. This spring he has continued to look good by hitting four more and posting a .345 batting average. He has been so good that his manager has even compared him to a young Vladimir Guerrero type. The Cubs are going to be good for years and players like Soler are a big reason why.

1. Kris Bryant

If you haven’t heard yet, Kris Bryant is going to AAA, but this move will not be for long. With a short, compact and powerful swing Bryant had a dominating spring. Last year he was voted the minor league player of the year as he slugged 43 home runs to go along with a 1.098 OPS. I expect him to continue his dominance when he is promoted and it would be a major upset if he does not win the ROY.

Next: MLB Predictions: Five National League Central Most Valuable Player Candidates