MLB Rookie of the Year 2020: Top candidates for AL and NL awards

Even though it seemed like they weren’t going to be able to pull it off, all teams made it through the shortenedMLB season. And now that the postseason is upon us, it’s time for the league to announce all awards winners, including MVPs, CY Youngs, and, obviously, the 2020 MLB Rookie of the Year.

There wasn’t anything normal about this season but at least, some youngsters got the chance to prove their worth almost from the start of the year and even established themselves as key members of their squads.

Some of these young players will continue to showcase their talents in the postseason and pursue a World Series title, while others are already planning ahead to next year. Here, will show you the top 3 candidates for both the AL and NL 2020 MLB Rookie of the Year awards.

2020 MLB ALRookie Of The Year Awards Candidates

Willi Castro

Castro is just 23 years old. (Getty)

Team: Detroit Tigers
Position: SS
Averages:.349/.381/.550, 36 G, 6 HR, 21 R, 24 RBIs

Even though the Detroit Tigers didn’t have many things to look up to this season, Willi Castro was one of the lone bright spots for them. His defense is still a work in progress but he was one of the biggest offensive forces all year long.

Kyle Lewis

Lewis was the 11th overall pick of the 2016 MLB Draft. (Getty)

Team: Seattle Mariners
Position: OF
Averages:.262/.364/.437, 58 G, 11 HR, 37 R, 28 RBIs

Kyle Lewis was nothing short of spectacular throughout the whole season. He led all rookies in total bases with 90 and became an every-day starter for a surprising Seattle Mariners that looks poised for greatness a couple of years from now.

Luis Robert

Robert was born in Ciego de Ávila, Cuba. (Getty)

Team: Chicago White Sox
Position: OF
Averages:.233/.302/.436, 56 G, 11 HR, 33 R, 31 RBIs

Luis Robert was the main favorite to win the AL Rookie of the Year award before the start of the season and he surely lived up to that hype. He was tied for the lead in home runs and led all rookies in stolen bases (9) and RBIs while playing an every-day role on a playoffs team.

2020 MLB NLRookie Of The Year Awards Candidates

Ke’Bryan Hayes

Hayes has been with the Pirates organization since 2015. (Getty)

Team: Pittsburgh Pirates
Position: 3B
Averages:.376/.442/.682, 24 G, 5 HR, 17 R, 11 RBIs

The fact that Ke’Bryan Hayes was only in the Majors for one month and still cracked the top 3 of this list should tell you just enough about how good he was. Hayes was an outstanding defender and an offensive machine who never went hitless on a game.

Ryan Mountcastle

Mountcastle was named 2019 International League MVP. (Getty)

Team: Baltimore Orioles
Position: OF
Averages:.333/.386/.492, 36 G, 5 HR, 12 R, 23 RBIs

Every single baseball fan on earth was looking forward to seeing Ryan Mountcastle from the start this year, yet the Baltimore Orioles thought it would hurt their chances of competing (yeah, right). He proved to be ready right out of the gate and was one of the most entertaining players to watch with his timely hitting and power.

Jake Cronenworth

The Rays traded Cronenworth to the Padres in 2019. (Getty)

Team: San Diego Padres
Position: 2B
Averages:.285/.354/.477, 54 G, 4 HR, 26 R, 20 RBIs

It seems like Eric Hosmer’s injury was a bit of a blessing in disguise for the San Diego Padres, as it allowed them to fully unleash their swiss-army infielder Jake Cronenworth. He played in almost every infield position, played plus-defense, and was a great hitter all year long.