Peter Alonso Becomes NL Rookie of the Year Favorite After Hitting .382 in First 2 Weeks

• Peter Alonso has emerged as the favorite to win the 2019 NL Rookie of the Year Award
• The Mets first baseman ranks seventh in the National League in batting average
• Can Alonso maintain his narrow lead over Fernando Tatis Jr. and Victor Robles?

Apparently no one told Peter Alonso that rookies are supposed to struggle at the plate during their first month in the Big Leagues.

The Mets first baseman has defied convention during his first nine games by hitting .382 with three home runs and 11 RBI in 34 at bats. Alonso’s production has powered New York to a 6-3 record and has helped shorten his odds of winning the 2019 NL Rookie of the Year Award from +500 on March 13th to +200 on April 9th.

Alonso now has the shortest odds among all qualifying rookies. Rounding out the top three are San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. and Washington Nationals outfielder Victor Robles at +275.

2019 National League Rookie of the Year Odds

Odds taken 04/09/19.

Alonso Has Been Sizzling Since Spring

A second round draft pick in 2016, Alonso had Mets officials salivating during Spring Training as he hit .356 in 45 at-bats. Even rival managers couldn’t stop themselves from gushing over his performance at the plate. Red Sox bench boss Alex Cora echoed the sentiments of many onlookers when he called Alonso “the best hitter in Florida” following an eye-opening game in early March.

Peter Alonso is hitting bombs to left-center in batting practice. pic.twitter.com/iNZ85zW9qn

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) February 18, 2019

Alonso’s hot bat earned him an invitation to New York and he hasn’t looked back since. The Tampa native has already recorded five multi-hit games and presently ranks seventh in the National League in batting average.

Alonso has already recorded five multi-hit games and presently ranks seventh in the National League in batting average.

Alonso’s defense remains a work in progress after years of playing third, but Mets brass appear willing to deal with his positional growing pains so long as he continues to terrorize opposing pitchers.

Tatis Jr. and Robles are Both Close Behind

Alonso isn’t the only rookie who has shown flashes of brilliance during the first month of the season. San Diego infielder Fernando Tatis Jr. is hitting .237 with three home runs and six RBI and has been a welcome source of power for the resurgent Padres.

395 feet, 106.8 mph EV, absolute shot for Fernando Tatis Jr. first career #MLN Home Run #FriarFaithful pic.twitter.com/LhU9PVs2WQ

— Around The Bases POD (@AroundBasesPOD) April 2, 2019

Washington speedster Victor Robles has also looked impressive as a full time starter, hitting .276 with two homers and four RBI in 34 plate appearances. The 21-year-old was a top five prospect entering the season and has earned glowing comparisons to fellow five-tool sensations Ronald Acuna Jr. and Juan Soto.

Should You Bet Big on Alonso?

Alonso has been outstanding thus far, but it’s worth remembering that he’s played just nine games in the Major Leagues and hit .260 last season in Triple-A. It’s only a matter of time before pitchers identify his weaknesses, and once they do, he won’t be able to rely on his glove to keep him in the game.

Victor Robles’s solo shot #OnePursuit pic.twitter.com/jOJv3QE51Y

— One Pursuit Takes (@OnePursuitTakes) April 4, 2019

We’re putting our money instead on Robles, who hit .288 in 59 Major League at-bats last season and has long been viewed as one of the most talented prospects in baseball.

He has the speed, power, and athleticism to become a star and should get plenty of at-bats now that Bryce Harper is cashing his checks in Philadelphia. Pounce on his odds before they get any shorter.

Pick: Victor Robles (+275)