Recent insider report makes bold prediction regarding Brewers ROY candidate

The young core of the Milwaukee Brewers is highlighted by a candidate for National League Rookie of the Year who is reportedly not considered a favorite for the award.

The Brewers signed outfielder Jackson Chourio to a major league contract before he even set foot in the major leagues, and the 20-year-old has since proven it was the right decision. Although Chourio has been dominant so far, a recent report suggested he won't take home the ROY trophy – due to factors beyond his control.

“If (Jackson) Chourio were in the American League, he'd probably be the favorite for the Rookie of the Year Award,” Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly wrote Tuesday morning. “He won't win it in the NL, but he's the frontrunner on a Brewers team that has far exceeded expectations in spring training.”

Chourio has a .273 batting average with 52 extra-base hits, including 21 home runs, 77 RBIs and an OPS of .803 (121 OPS+) in 136 games this season.

The 20-year-old received a B+ rookie grade from Kelly, which is below the rating of Jackson Merrill, the San Diego Padres outfielder who many consider to be the favorite for the NL ROY.

Chourio may have his sights set on a bigger goal: a World Series title, but knowing he could have been the favorite for the ROY title had he been in the AL has to be bittersweet.

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