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Masahiro Tanaka leads surprising Solarte in Rookie of the Year race

Masahiro Tanaka has been stellar this season, with a 2.39 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 64 innings.

Masahiro Tanaka has been stellar this season, with a 2.39 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 64 innings.

Billy Hamilton's defense in centerfield has made him of the National League's top rookies so far.

Billy Hamilton's defense in centerfield has made him of the National League's top rookies so far.

Hamilton takes this spot by default. He's not hitting, and while he is tied for second in the majors in stolen bases, he also leads the bigs in times caught stealing (6), leaving him with a weak 73-percent success rate. Hamilton is, however, playing a strong centerfield, making highlight plays with regularity and grading out as above average according to most advanced fielding metrics. In a weak NL rookie class, his play in center and solid attendance are enough to merit him the fifth spot here.