Former Dodgers OF Steven Souza Thinks Gavin Stone Will Win 2023 Rookie of the Year Award
Dodgers RHP Gavin Stone has made quite the name for himself this spring. In four games, Stone has pitched 6.2 innings, and has allowed zero runs, five hits, two walks and struck out an incredible 14 batters.
He has no MLB experience, and appeared in just six games at the Triple-A level last year. However, that didn't stop a former Dodger and longtime MLB outfielder from making a pretty big bet on Stone this season.
Steven Souza, the eight-year MLB veteran, said on Twitter that he's putting $1,000 on Stone winning the National League Rookie of the Year Award this season.
While Stone has the stuff to dominate at the big league level — and he's proven it this spring — this is still a pretty bold bet from Souza. Stone isn't going to start the season on the opening day roster, and there's no guarantee he makes an appearance any time early in the season.
Now, if he does, he could have a breakout year as a dominant reliever in this Dodgers bullpen. But still, it's not often relievers win the ROY Award — especially non-closers.
Devin Williams of the Brewers took home the award in 2020, but before that, the last reliever to win it was Craig Kimbrel in 2011. And Williams played in 22 of the 60-game season, while Kimbrel was one of the best closers in baseball that year.
So, it's definitely possible Stone wins this award, but he would have to get called up on the sooner side of things. And then, he'll have to stay for the rest of the season, and continue to dominate one or two innings at a time.
Stone has the stuff to be one of the more dominant relievers on the team this season. But he may not get enough appearances to be considered for an award as big as this one.
