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Cincinnati Reds: Jesse Winker making a case for Rookie of the Year

By Drew Koch|
CINCINNATI, OH - JUNE 28: Jesse Winker #33 of the Cincinnati Reds hits a home run in the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park on June 28, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - JUNE 28: Jesse Winker #33 of the Cincinnati Reds hits a home run in the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park on June 28, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Though he’s still in a 4-man outfield rotation, Cincinnati Reds rookie Jesse Winker is making a solid case to be the National League Rookie of the Year.

Several weeks ago, Cincinnati Reds interim manager Jim Riggleman announced that Jesse Winker would be removed from the 4-man outfield rotation. The benching was not long-lived, as Winker started a game in the outfield a couple days later. Since that time, Winker has done nothing but hit the cover off the ball. Though it may be a bit of a stretch, Winker deserves strong consideration for the National League Rookie of the Year.

Winker has been on a tear of late. He’s started 17 of the last 20 games he’s played in. During that 20-game stretch, Winker is slashing .382/.514/.600. Yes, those numbers are correct. A .514 on-base in his 70 plate appearances is insane. Perhaps more impressive are the 15 walks that Winker’s dawn during that time.

For the season, Winker is hitting .283 with 6 home runs and 37 RBIs. His on-base percentage is .397, ranking him No. 2 among rookies. Winker is first among NL rookies in walks, second in hits, third in doubles and OPS, fifth in batting average and tied for eighth in home runs.

Winker does have some stiff competition for the award. Miami Marlins outfielder Brian Anderson, Washington Nationals left fielder Juan Soto and the Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Austin Meadows are all having great rookie seasons.

Most publications didn’t have Jesse Winker on their radar for NL Rookie of the Year before the season began. In fact, it was assumed in the preseason that Nick Senzel would be the Cincinnati Reds’ candidate for National League Rookie of the Year.

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There’s still two-plus months and 70 games left to be played. A lot can happen between now and then, but if Winker continues to hit the way he has over the last month, his name might become more frequently mentioned among the best rookies in the National League.

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