Even before Kristian Campbell earned American League Rookie of the Month honors, Bowden tabbed him as the best second baseman in April.
“Campbell signed an eight-year, $60 million contract in early April and is already delivering as one of the top rookies in the game,” Bowden wrote. “He has slashed .301/.407/.495 (164 OPS+) with 17 runs and 12 RBIs. Campbell, 22, edged out Jazz Chisholm Jr., who leads all AL second basemen with seven homers and 17 RBIs but is hitting just .181 with a .304 on-base percentage.”
Joining Campbell on the list was Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman.
“Bregman has been one of the best free-agent signings of the offseason as he’s posted a 172 OPS+ with seven homers and 24 RBIs,” Bowden wrote. “He ranks in the 96th percentile in batting run value, the 98th percentile in chase rate and the 94th percentile in whiff rate. He’s worthy of this pick because of his numbers alone, but his leadership has been an immediate difference-maker for the Red Sox.”
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Bregman hit a solo home run in Boston’s 6-1 win Friday night over the Minnesota Twins at Fenway Park to extend his hitting streak to 12 games. He is batting .396 with a 1.244 OPS with 11 runs, six doubles, four home runs and 11 RBI during the span.
The rest of the list was rounded out by Athletics’ Tyler Soderstrom at first base, Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. at short, Yankees’ Aaron Judge in right field, Orioles’ Cedric Mullins in center field, Guardians’ Steven Kwan in left, Mariners’ Cal Raleigh behind the plate, Yankees’ Ben Rice as the designated hitter, Astros’ Hunter Borwn as the starting pitcher and Mariners’ Andrés Muñoz as the closer.
What do you think of Bowden’s picks? Is there anyone missing from the list? Sound off in the comments below.
