In the world of Major League Baseball (MLB), talent often emerges slowly, needing time to develop and mature. However, sometimes, a young star comes along who defies all expectations and makes an immediate impact.
Corbin Carroll, a name that now resonates throughout the baseball world, is one such remarkable talent. In this article, we will delve into the journey of Corbin Carroll and explore the valid reasons why he is the runaway favorite for the 2023 NL Rookie of the Year.
The Arizona Diamondbacks, who had the worst record in the National League just two seasons ago, have made it to the MLB playoffs. This impressive resurgence can be largely attributed to Corbin Carroll's emergence.
Carroll was drafted as the 16th overall pick in the 2019 MLB Amateur Draft and quickly made his way up the ranks, excelling in rookie ball, Double-A, and Triple-A with impressive statistics. He hit 28 home runs, had 87 RBIs, stole 52 bases, and achieved a stunning .310/.426/.588 slash line, leaving everyone in awe.
By the end of the 2022 season, Carroll had climbed the prospect rankings, becoming the Diamondbacks' second-ranked prospect, and he received the call to make his big league debut in late August.
It was clear that Carroll was destined to be a part of Arizona's Opening Day roster in 2023, and he wasted no time in proving his electrifying potential as a five-tool player.
Corbin Carroll's rookie season in the MLB was nothing short of historic. Playing in 155 of 162 regular season games, he led all major league rookies in hits, triples, and total bases. But what truly set him apart was his versatility. Carroll finished in the top five in doubles, home runs, RBIs, batting average, slugging percentage, OPS, and strikeout percentage. This remarkable all-around performance solidified his status as a five-tool threat.
Carroll's rookie season was remarkable for his exceptional combination of power and speed. He accomplished a feat that no other rookie in MLB history has achieved - recording 25 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season.
Furthermore, with 10 triples under his belt, he stands out as the only player in MLB history to accomplish this feat. Such an exceptional display of athleticism and skill is indeed a rarity in the world of baseball.
Corbin Carroll's unprecedented rookie season has given the Arizona Diamondbacks a priceless franchise cornerstone. At just 23 years old, he has positioned himself among the best young hitters under 25 in the league, alongside names like Fernando Tatis Jr., Julio Rodriguez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Juan Soto, and Bobby Witt Jr. The future of the Diamondbacks looks brighter than ever with Carroll leading the charge.
In a testament to his incredible rookie campaign, sportsbooks were quick to recognize Carroll as the frontrunner for the 2023 NL Rookie of the Year award. His performance was so incomparable to his peers that many sportsbooks, including BetMGM, took down the option to bet on the award.
Just five days before the regular season ended, Carroll's odds to win the NL Rookie of the Year stood at an astounding -10000, reflecting the consensus that he was the undeniable favorite.