Jacob deGrom was brought up at the exact same time as Rafael Montero, but was looked at as the weaker link. However, two and a half months later, deGrom is 5-5 and Montero is playing for the Las Vegas 51’s. Of course, 5-5 is not a great record for a pitcher, but that is because the Mets have not scored runs while deGrom is on the bump (clearly shown by the fact that he has a 2.79 ERA). As surprising as it may sound, deGrom’s name has come up in Rookie of the Year talk…but is that really a shock?
deGrom may not have the electric and athletic abilities of the Reds’ Billy Hamilton (who is the front runner for NL Rookie of the Year), but he does have a good enough résumé to give Hamilton some competition. As previously mentioned, deGrom is playing on a team that does not give him a whole lot of run support. However, with a low ERA and an 8.6 K/9 ratio, deGrom is an exciting pitcher to watch…unless you are a batter facing him. He also has a 0.5 HR/9 ratio, which is an amazing accomplishment for someone who seems to pitch to contact like deGrom does.
In deGrom’s first start, he threw a gem, allowing just one run against the New York Yankees. Sadly, he ended up with a loss in the game, because the Mets were held to no runs by Yankees pitcher Chase Whitley. deGrom also got a base hit in his first at bat, which ended the Mets pitchers’ long slump of zero hits. Now, deGrom has 7 hits and a batting average of .250, which is not even the slightest bit bad for a pitcher. Since that game, deGrom has not had too many bad starts, and now has four straight quality starts.
Look, deGrom is not as good as Matt Harvey, but he is doing a fine job filling in for the injured Mets’ ace. deGrom already has 87.0 innings under his belt, and has given up just 27 runs (all earned). He also has won five of his last 10 starts, all of which were quality starts. As for his struggles, most of his losses have come from a large lack of run support, and his only real bad outing seems to be when he allowed 6 runs in 4.1 innings on June 16 at Busch Stadium against the Cardinals. Also, deGrom has a WAR of 2.0, while Hamilton has a WAR of 2.5, which are pretty close number wise. Personally, I believe that deGrom is one of the most underrated players in the MLB, and if he does not finish in at least second for NL Rookie of the Year voting, the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) may need to get their heads checked because they clearly cannot see talent when it is put right in front of them.
The only rookies that deGrom should be worried about are; Chris Owings (on the DL), Chase Anderson, and our own Jeurys Familia.
Tommy La Stella simply hasn’t hit for enough extra bases (Hamilton has a higher SLG%).
Gregory Polanco has completely disintegrated after posting an .827 OPS through his first 21 games, he has followed that up with a .487 OPS through his next 21.
Billy Hamilton and his .303 OBP can take a step back. The only reason that his WAR is inflated to 2.5 is because his defense has been superb.
I think that deGrom has this one in the bag if he continues pitching to an ERA of at least 3.25.
I can’t imagine many voters consider Familia is a serious ROY contender. As great as he’s been, he’s a middle reliever, and I suspect few outside of NY even know who he is.
I think Hamilton’s the front runner right now, particularly considering his top-prospect status heading into the season. Voters may undervalue defense, but they love stolen bases. However, if his recent struggles continue (.178 since the break), and deGrom finishes strong (really just continues what he’s done to date), I think deGrom takes it. Chase Anderson is nipping at his heals, and could pass him if he keeps pitching like he did in July. Owings could also enter the mix if comes back soon (though it sounds like he won’t) and finishes strong.
“On this team, it’s also pretty darn good for a left fielder or a shortstop.”
That made me laugh and wince at the same time…
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I think everyone is forgetting about the Padres’ Jesse Hahn. 6-2 with a 1.89 ERA in 9 starts so far. About to get his seventh win tonight against St. Louis.
“Now, deGrom has 7 hits and a batting average of .250, which is not even the slightest bit bad for a pitcher.”
On this team, it’s also pretty darn good for a left fielder or a shortstop.
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Chase Anderson’s numbers look comparable, but deGrom has the advantage in K/9, and HR/9. They have the exact same BB/9, but deGrom has a better xFIP and fWAR too. If the pace stays the same for both, our guy wins that matchup. Unfortunately, Hamilton will win because of name recognition.