Sure, the season is a mere 10 percent complete, but it’s getting harder not to view Mariners right fielder Mitch Haniger as the clear early favorite to be the American League’s Rookie of the Year.
Haniger entered Thursday’s series opener at Oakland leading all AL rookies in virtually every meaningful offensive category, including runs, walks, extra-base hits, on-base percentage, doubles, RBIs, hits and OPS.
"You can’t say enough about him," manager Scott Servais said. "The quality at-bats. The walks. The big hits. Working into his count. Understanding situations. It’s been huge for us. When the guys behind him get rolling, we play really well.