Best National League Rookies: Sophomore Seasons
By Noah Nash
Padres fans will see many home run celebrations from Gyorko in the coming years. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Jedd Gyorko 2B/3B San Diego Padres
It’s a testament to the youth of this year’s class of rookies that Gyorko was one of the oldest at just age 24. Despite hitting in the worst offensive ballpark in the game, Gyorko put up good not great numbers of a .249, and a slugging percentage of .444. He blasted 23 home runs and and drove in 63 runs, while playing average defense while splitting time between the keystone and the hot corner.
In the future, he’ll likely settle in at third, a body a bit better for his stocky 5’10 210 lb frame. The Padres have dangled upcoming FA Chase Headley in trade talks this winter, so the position switch could come as soon as 2014. Headley is a FA after next season, and with the Padres’ limited budget, Gyorko will definitely be installed at the hot corner. While I never believe Gyorko will be a high average hitter, I think his power will show up over the next few years. Even playing in Petco, I believe he has the potential to blast up to 35 homers. Petco tends to surpress left handed hitters more than righties, so Gyorko shouldn’t be too hurt by his home.