T.J. Rumfield finally played in Yankee Stadium last week, hitting the hallowed ground in Rockies purple and black. It was a dream realized for the 26-year-old first baseman, who admitted it was “a dream come true” and that “any time you’re in Yankee Stadium, it’s just hallowed ground.” He was “kind of walking around, it’s kind of surreal, taking it all in.” What’s even wilder is how he got there, and what he’s doing now. This dude isn’t just playing in “the big leagues,” he’s a serious candidate for National League Rookie of the Year, and his stats are absolutely nuts.
The Yankees’ Loss Is Colorado’s Huge Win
You gotta wonder what the Yankees are thinking right now. They dealt Rumfield to the Rockies for pitcher Angel Chivilli back in January. Since that trade, Chivilli has spent a good portion of the season on the injured list. Meanwhile, Rumfield is absolutely tearing it up, making that trade look like a huge win for Colorado, no doubt. He’s currently batting a cool .300, which unbelievably puts him seventh in all of Major League Baseball and fifth within the National League! We’re talking about consistent, elite production here, with 155 hits through 146 games. This guy isn’t just slapping singles either, he’s smacked 29 doubles, added three triples, and mashed 15 dingers, driving in an impressive 69 RBIs. And check this out: his .392 on-base percentage is good for second in the NL, placing him third across the entire league. Rumfield is consistently getting on base and making things happen for the Rockies every single night.
Leading On Both Sides of the Ball
It’s not just the bat that’s doing damage, either. Rumfield is flashing the leather big time at first base. He leads the Rockies defensively and is tied for second among all first basemen with an impressive 10 defensive runs saved. Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer is totally on board with Rumfield winning NL Rookie of the Year, stating emphatically, “Just look at the numbers. He’s been so great this year offensively, defensively as well. This is a both sides of the ball game and he’s done a great job from both sides.” Teammate Jake McCarthy, who himself is having a career season, can’t get enough of Rumfield’s play. “He’s the man. He’s so good,” McCarthy raved. “It’s insane that this is his first year in the big leagues. I feel like he’s so calm and collected, he’s obviously got a great eye. It just seems like the game is in slow motion for him. It’s been super fun to watch.” This dude was even named NL Rookie of the Month twice, in May and June. Schaeffer believes Rumfield “handles the pressure in his first year exceptionally well. Every game, he plays with so much confidence. T.J.‘s a kid who can handle anything.” That kind of composure is rare for a rookie.
Rookie of the Year Push
Rumfield, despite all the hype, sounds super grateful for the journey. He’s honored to even be mentioned and considered for an award like Rookie of the Year. He credits “all the people I had coming up that helped me, especially in the Yankees organization,” saying they “developed me into the player I am today.” He’s been “able to run with this opportunity now because of the preparation and the things I’ve done before this.” Now he’s running with this opportunity like crazy. With numbers like these, and that kind of calm demeanor, the National League Rookie of the Year race is getting seriously interesting. Can he keep this up and grab the hardware? You bet he’s going to try.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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