Chicago Cubs Star Listed as Top-5 NL Rookie of the Year Candidate
It's been nearly a decade since a Chicago Cubs player received National League Rookie of the Year honors.
The last Cub to win an NL Rookie of the Year Award was Kris Bryant after his impressive 2015 campaign helped the Chicago reach the postseason for the first time in seven years.
Now, a Cubs breakout star is listed as a top-5 NL Rookie of the Year candidate on Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies.
Javier Assad ranks No. 5 on the list.
In front of Assad is Cincinnati Reds shortstop Matt McLain, Colorado Rockies outfielder Nolan Jones, New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga and Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll.
Here is a look at the top-5 list, with key statistics included:
5) Javier Assad, RHP, Chicago Cubs
32 G, 10 GS, 5-3, 3.05 ERA, 109.1 IP, 147 ERA+, 4.29 FIP, 1.226 WHIP, 7.7 SO9, 2.29 SO/W, 2.3 WAR
4) Matt McLain, SS, Cincinnati Reds
89 G, .290/.357/.864, 16 HR, 50 RBI, 14 SB, 129 OPS+, 3.7 WAR
3) Nolan Jones, OF Colorado Rockies
106 G, .297/.389/.931, 20 HR, 62 RBI, 20 SB, 138 OPS+, 4.3 WAR
2) Kodai Senga, RHP New York Mets
29 G, 29 GS, 12-7, 2.98 ERA, 166.1 IP, 142 ERA+, 3.63 FIP, 1.220 WHIP, 10.9 SO/W, 4.5 WAR
1) Corbin Carroll, OF Arizona Diamondbacks
155 G, .285/.362/.868, 25 HR, 76 RBI, 54 SB, 134 OPS+, 5.4 WAR
Assad competed for a spot in Chicago's pitching rotation at spring training, but was edged out by rookie Hayden Wesneski. The Cubs' Opening Day pitching rotation consisted of Marcus Stroman, Justin Steele, Drew Smyly, Jameson Taillon and Wesneski.
Wesneski, Smyly and Taillon all struggled, and Stroman eventually landed on the IL at the start of August. This provided an opportunity for Assad to start.
Assad emerged as the Cubs' third-best starter behind Steele and Kyle Hendricks during the final stretch of the season, registering a 2.84 ERA across 50.2 IP.
The 2023 NL Rookie of the Year Award winner will be announced sometime after the World Series wraps up in November. Carroll is expected to win the award.
