NL Rookie of the Year Power Rankings: Reds' Hamilton pacing the field

Every week until the end of the season, we'll take a look at the top first-year players in the National League and size up their candidacy for the Rookie of the Year.

NL Rookie of the Year Power Rankings

From an offensive standpoint, Billy Hamilton is having an underwhelming season.

He doesn't hit for power, average, or get on base with any measure of consistency. Hamilton has only produced an OBP higher than .310 in one month (June) and his second-half OPS is sub-.600.

But once you factor in his defense, speed and ability to affect the outcome of a game in different ways, the Reds' speedy center fielder has to be considered the frontrunner.

His 55 stolen bases rank second in the majors and defensive metrics such as UZR place him among the very best at his position. Not a fan of fielding statistics? Hamilton passes the eye test, too.

Bolstering Hamilton's case is the fact he's appeared in nearly 40 more games than the next closest rookie in the NL. He hits lead off, is a very good fielder at a premium position and possesses game-changing speed. Hamilton leads NL rookies with 3.7 wins above replacement, per FanGraphs.

The 23-year-old also showed improved plate discipline in August, posting his highest walk rate and lowest strikeout clip of the season.

Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom is currently the strongest threat to unseat Hamilton from atop the rankings. He leads NL rookies in innings pitched, strikeouts and owns an impressive 2.87 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. 

The lanky 26-year-old didn't appear on a big-league mound until mid-May, but he's peaking at the right time, recording quality starts in 10 of his last 12 outings.

Arizona outfielder David Peralta is putting together a solid first season and it's possible he could find himself at the top of the rookie ballot by the end of the year. He holds a slight edge over teammate Chris Owings in slugging among qualified NL rookies, and his nine triples are the most by a first-year player since Bryce Harper in 2012.

The Diamondbacks shortstop appeared to be a favorite for the award until a dislocated shoulder cost him over two months of the season. He returned to action Sept. 2 and his 15 doubles still rank third among NL rookies.

If it weren't for the injury, Owings had a good shot at posting double-digit totals in home runs, doubles, triples and steals - an impressive feat for any player.

Kolten Wong's 11 home runs are the second most for any NL second baseman and his 19 steals rank third. A strong finish could net the Cardinals infielder a 15-homer, 20-steal rookie season.