Brett Baty and Kodai Senga rank among MLB's top 10 rookies heading into May

Where did people get their news before Twitter graphics? The official page of MLB shared a graphic highlighting the top ten rookies heading into May (on the second of the month). A pair of New York Mets players you know crawled there.

Brett Baty at number four puts him second in the National League behind only Corbin Carroll. At number seven, we find Kodai Senga whose start with the Mets this year might not be quite top ten worthy in the opinion of most.

2 NY Mets are already in the Rookie of the Year race according to MLB's Twitter page

The drop from Baty to Senga is pretty huge in terms of production this season. Baty has left little doubt he belongs on the big league roster. He should’ve been here from game one. He has started to hit for power. By the time May is over, it’s realistic to have him closer to the middle of the batting order.

There aren’t nearly as many kind things to say about Senga. Yes, it has been okay. With a 3-1 record and 4.15 ERA after 6 starts, it’s an acceptable output for a first-year MLB player.

Senga’s biggest issue has been control. His 6.2 walks per 9 already is an atrocious total he cannot continue with. His Ghost Fork has been nasty, helping him to an early 11.1 strikeouts per 9.

Between the two, Baty has the distinctive advance when it comes to winning the Rookie of the Year at this point. As long as he continues to get at-bats, he should make his mark on the league. Carroll is the early favorite, though. And the better the Arizona Diamondbacks play, the more votes he can earn. He has done a little bit of everything. Carroll is more than a quick-footed runner. After just 142 games in the minor leagues, he looks well on his way to becoming a star in the league.

Curiously ranked behind Senga is Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder James Outman. Off to a powerful start himself, he’d definitely go ahead of Senga on my list right now. In fact, because he has more games under his belt, it’s not outrageous to put him even ahead of Baty.

The chase for the National League Rookie of the Year should end up as a battle of bats. Frequent playing time for Baty is essential for him to have a shot. Individual awards aren’t the mission for the Mets. However, there is no denying he is the top choice at third base right now and going forward.