For a guy only 25 years old, Geovany Soto has already authored an impressive resume.
In July, Soto became the first National League rookie catcher to start an All-Star Game and the first Cubs backstop to start a Midsummer Classic in 71 years.
Soto's 23 home runs set a franchise record for a rookie catcher and was the most by any rookie backstop since Mike Piazza's 35 back in 1993. Soto is the first Cubs rookie to hit as many as 23 home runs since Billy Williams belted 25 in 1961.
Soto led all NL rookies in RBIs (86), doubles (35) and extra-base hits (60) and his defense and handling of the Chicago pitching staff were good enough to help the Cubs win a second consecutive NL Central Division crown.
Little wonder then why Soto might be the first Senior Circuit catcher to win Rookie of the Year honors since Piazza 15 years ago.
While Soto is arguably the favorite, Cincinnati's Joey Votto has a shot at beating out the backstop for NL Rookie of the Year honors.
Here's a look of the top candidates for the award:
FAVORITES
Soto, Chicago Cubs: Was instrumental in the Cubs' success and most of his statistics (.285 batting average, 23 home runs, 86 RBIs, .364 OBP) are among the top five in the rookie leaders.
Votto, Cincinnati Reds: Votto (.297, 24 HR, 84 RBIs) has shown why the Reds think so highly of the 24-year-old first baseman. Tabbed as a future All-Star by some, Votto led all NL rookies in batting average, home runs, multi-hit games, hits, total bases, on-base percentage and slugging. He is also above average defensively and should give the Reds stability at the position for many years.
DARK HORSES
Jair Jurrjens, Atlanta Braves: The Braves' pitching staff was a disappointment, but Jurrjens was a bright spot. The 22-year-old right-hander led NL rookies with 13 wins and his 3.68 ERA was second among NL rookies to Chris Volstad of the Marlins.
Hiroki Kuroda, Los Angeles Dodgers: The 33-year-old Japanese import won nine games and had an ERA of 3.73 to help the Dodgers win the NL West.
HONORABLE MENTION
Brian Barton, Cardinals; Gregor Blanco, Braves; Jay Bruce, Reds; Jorge Campillo, Braves; Johnny Cueto, Reds; Blake DeWitt, Dodgers; Kosuke Fukudome, Cubs; Edgar Gonzalez, Padres; John Lannan, Nationals; Kyle McClellan, Cardinals; Chris Perez, Cardinals; Jeff Samardzija, Cubs; Ian Stewart, Rockies; Wesley Wright, Houston.