Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager was named the National League Rookie of the Month for June. Seager batted .343/.409/.676 with eight doubles, one triple, eight home runs and 13 RBIs in 28 games (26 starts) over that period.
He led all rookies last month in batting average, hits (35), home runs, runs (20), total bases (69) and slugging, and paced NL rookies in on-base percentage and eight doubles What’s more, Seager posted a .446 wOBA and 187 wRC+ in June.
During a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves last month, Seager had a three-home run game and followed it two days later with a two-homer game. Despite the sustained success throughout the month, Seager was never recognized as NL Player of the Week during June.
Entering play on Sunday, he has a 15-game hitting streak and leads the Dodgers in several offensive categories. Chief among them are batting average (.302), on-base percentage (.360), slugging (.540), total hits (95) and home runs (17).
The 22-year-old was a perceived favorite for NL Rookie of the Year when the 2016 season began, but Seager’s play has earned him NL MVP consideration.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently called his young star the best shortstop in the NL, and championed Seager’s inclusion in the 2016 All-Star Game.
Although he trailed Addison Russell of the Chicago Cubs and the Colorado Rockies’ Trevor Story in the last voting update by a wide margin, Seager figures to make his first All-Star appearance as a reserve.
Recent Dodgers to be recognized as NL Rookie of the Month include: Dee Gordon (September 2011), Yasiel Puig (June 2013) and Alex Guerrero (April 2015).
