Answer quickly: who has been the Athletics most valuable player so far this season? Sure, Stephen Vogt is an acceptable answer, but has anyone considered Billy Burns?
In 62 games this season, Burns is batting .306/.342/.403, with two home runs and 17 stolen bases. Perhaps more impressive, his average is tied for eighth in the American League, and he trails only the unstoppable Jose Altuve in swiped bags. He’s also tied for seventh in triples, and has grounded into just three double plays all season.
Burns is having a spectacular rookie season, and he isn’t getting the recognition he deserves because the Oakland Athletics aren’t winning.