By John Sarianides
Rookies Cody Bellinger and Aaron Judge took the baseball world by storm this past season. Both players greatly impacted their teams and were catalysts for them making the playoffs. They have become the defacto faces of their respective franchises.
The debate has already begun for next season. Are these two players worthy of taking in the first round? I say yes! Here are three reasons why.
1. Entering Their Prime: Both Bellinger and Judge are entering their prime in 2018. They got over the developmental hump this season and are now ready to assume everyday roles for the next ten plus years of their careers. Both players have the power to hit in the 3, 4 or 5 spots in the line up and they have proven that they can be consistent run producers.
Plate discipline is a bit of an issue for both, especially Judge who broke the season strikeout record this season. However, if they work on identifying pitches better and being more patient, they could potentially average 40 home runs and 100 RBI’s per season in their careers. It is not out of the realm of possibility.
2. Both have Easy, Fluid Swings: Both have easy, natural swings that allow them to stay back on the ball and generate a lot of power. They don’t get on top of the ball often. They make consistent contact and they fit this generation’s fly ball mentality to a T. All of that being said, they need to do a better job of hitting the ball to all fields. That will come with more experience.
3. Both have Line-Up Protection: Both Bellinger and Judge have plenty of protection in their respective line ups. Teams have to pitch to them. It also helps that they play for the two teams with the highest payrolls in baseball. That means that they will always have protection in the line up throughout their careers.
Depending on what type of a league you are in and what the scoring system is, you may want to consider drafting Bellinger or Judge in the first round next season. Sure, there will be a run on pitching but if you are in 12 team league and the top five pitchers along with Mike Trout are gone, why not take a flier on either Bellinger or Judge? They will play 140 plus games and you will get 350-400 points out of them in a season. That is not production you can scoff at.