Pittsburgh Pirates Election Day: Who are the Top Players So Far?

Rookie of the Year

The easy choice here is Josh Bell.  However, the fan base has been enamored with Jose Osuna since he left Spring Training as the team’s most productive hitter.  Also, even though Bell is considered a rookie, he did have at-bats last year.  Osuna is more of a true rookie, and has already had some big at-bats in the early going.  His biggest was against the Diamondbacks just a few days ago when he hit a go ahead two run home run in the tenth inning to take the lead.

In the early going, Osuna’s batting average is nothing to marvel at.  The first baseman and outfielder is hitting just .217.  His on-base percentage is not much better, just .288.  However, while he is lacking in those two categories he is getting a lot of extra-base hits.  His slugging percentage is .433 so far.  Furthermore, he has three doubles, two triples and two home runs for a total of seven extra base hits.  He actually has more extra base hits than singles.  As time goes on, Osuna may get more playing time.  With John Jaso severely struggling offensively and proving that he cannot handle the outfield, Osuna may end up getting to stay on the roster over Jaso.  If that is the case, Osuna has proven that he can get some big hits when needed, and may help provide some of the power off the bench that the team had last season.