OF Luis Robert, INF Carter Kieboom among rookies to watch

CHICAGO (AP) — New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso was the breakout star in an impressive group of major league rookies last summer. Now another wave of young talent is looking to leave its mark on the sport.

Here is a closer look at a handful of rookies who could play a starring role this year:

—OF Luis Robert, Chicago White Sox: The 22-year-old Robert joins a formidable White Sox lineup after agreeing to a $50 million, six-year contract in January — ahead of his major league debut. The athletic Cuban slugger batted .328 with 32 homers, 92 RBIs and 36 steals over three minor league stops last season.

—INF Carter Kieboom, Washington Nationals: Anthony Rendon's departure in free agency created an opening at third base for the Nationals, and the reigning World Series champions are looking to Kieboom to fill the role. Kieboom spent most of last year with Triple-A Fresno, hitting .303 with 16 homers and 79 RBIs in 109 games.

—LHP Brendan McKay, Tampa Bay Rays: McKay was hampered by shoulder stiffness early in spring training, but it looks as if the No. 4 pick in the 2017 amateur draft could take on a more prominent role with the Rays this year. The two-way player made his major league debut in June, going 2-4 with a 5.14 ERA in 13 games and 2 for 10 with a homer at the plate.

—OF Dylan Carlson, St. Louis Cardinals: The switch-hitting Carlson is on the brink of his major league debut after an impressive 2019 season. The outfielder, who doesn't turn 22 until October, batted .292 with 26 homers and 68 RBIs over two minor league stops. He was selected by St. Louis with the No. 33 pick in the 2016 draft.

—OF Jo Adell, Los Angeles Angels: There's a lot to like about the 6-foot-3 Adell, who turns 21 on April 8. He finished last season with Triple-A Salt Lake, hitting .264 with eight RBIs in 27 games with the Bees....

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/OF-Luis-Robert-INF-Carter-Kieboom-among-rookies-15098724.php