Three rookies to watch in the National League playoffs
As we creep closer to playoff baseball there is always a rookie who makes his presence felt on the big stage, and in 2023 there is no shortage of possibilities.
With rookies making a big impact on the playoff races, Here are three National League rookies to keep an eye on in the 2023 postseason.
Corbin Carroll, Arizona Diamondbacks, outfielder: One of the most exciting players in baseball, the 23-year-old outfielder has played a major part in the Diamondbacks late-season surge after struggling post-all-star break.
Over his last 30 games, Carroll is slashing .322/.386/.517 with four home runs, 14 RBI and 13 stolen bases. Recently he became the first rookie in AL/NL history to hit 25 home runs and have 50 stolen bases in the same season.
In what should be a National League Rookie of the Year award campaign for Carroll, he has a chance to make some major noise in the postseason.
Bobby Miller, Los Angeles Dodgers, pitcher: In a rotation that has many unexpected faces, Dodgers rookie pitcher Bobby Miller has shown the potential to be the next homegrown pitcher to have success with the franchise.
In 21 starts this season he is 11-4 with a 3.89 ERA while striking out 115 batters over 120.1 innings pitched after making his MLB debut on May 23.
He has also provided the Dodgers with solid innings, pitching five or more innings in 18 of his 21 starts.
With seven or more strikeouts in each of his last four starts, Miller is starting to show that swing-and-miss stuff he was known for in the minors.
Miller will have big shoes to fill this postseason on a pitching staff missing four key starters in Walker Buehler, Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May and Julio Urias.
Sal Frelick, Milwaukee Brewers, outfielder: A player that has yet to fully figure it out at the MLB level, Frelick has gone from 2021 first-round pick to starting outfielder for the Brewers in less than two seasons.
Despite his recent struggles at the dish, he is slashing a respectable .251/.344/.358 with 13 XBH and 24 RBI while adding 27 walks.
A disciplined hitter at the plate, the 23-year-old is able to drive up the pitch count and once his hits start dropping he will see a major increase in production.
Frelick has the potential to become a fan-favorite in Milwaukee, as they look to make a postseason run in 2023.
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