I plan to release Rookie of the Year rankings every month. I choose to do this because players get called up and sent down often and may lose their eligibility. Let’s start with the NL Rookie of the Year race!
NL Rookie of the Year Rankings
On the Bubble: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Keaton Winn, Joey Ortiz, Jackson Merrill, Jacob Young
5. Masyn Wynn – STL
Wynn has been a touted prospect for the Cardinals over the past few years, and he is off to a hot start in 2024. In 94 plate appearances, Wynn is hitting .304/.380/.405 with a 125 OPS+. He doesn’t have a home run yet, but he does have 7 RBIs. The man with the cannon arm is looking good.
4. Michael Busch – CHC
Busch has found a new home in Chicago and is making the most of it this season. In 108 plate appearances, Busch is hitting .266/.333/.500 with 6 home runs and 17 RBIs. He also has a 132 OPS+. His swing looks much better, and his stats are proof.
3. Jared Jones – PIT
The NL Central is owning the rankings right now. Jared Jones has been a fantastic addition to the Pirates’ rotation. Since being called up on March 30th, Jones has started 6 games for the Pirates. In those 6 starts, he has a 3.18 ERA with a 0.91 WHIP. He also has an impressive 11.1 K/9 and 42 strikeouts overall. If he keeps pitching like this, he’ll climb the ladder quickly.
2. Blaze Alexander – ARI
Alexander is replacing Geraldo Perdomo at shortstop while Perdomo is on the IL, and he is using his time effectively. In 70 plate appearances, Blaze is hitting .311/.400/.541 with 3 home runs and 13 RBIs. Alexander has the best OPS in the NL among qualified rookies, and it will be hard for the Diamondbacks to keep him out of the lineup.
1. Shota Imanaga – CHC
Imanaga started his MLB career off strong, not allowing an earned run until his fourth start. Imanaga is 4-0 in five starts with a 0.98 ERA and a 0.80 WHIP. He has 28 strikeouts across 27.2 innings for the Cubs so far. I would vote for Shota Imanaga as the NL Rookie of the Year if the season ended today.
AL Rookie of the Year Rankings
On the Bubble: Cooper Criswell, Wyatt Langford, Austin Martin, Nolan Schanuel, Mitch Spence
5. Evan Carter – TEX
A former top-10 prospect, Carter is having a solid start to the season. In 105 plate appearances, he is hitting .220/.314/.462 with 5 home runs and 11 RBIs. His batting average could use some work, but he has a 118 OPS+. There is plenty of time left for him to improve.
4. Justin Slaten – BOS
Slaten has been a great addition to the Red Sox bullpen. Slaten has appeared in 10 games and pitched 17.1 innings. In those 17.1 innings, Slaten has a 0.52 ERA and a 0.58 WHIP. He also has 1 save to his name. The 26-year-old Rookie is off to a great start in 2024.
3. Wenceel Perez – DET
Although Perez has only played in 15 games, he has made the most of his time in the majors. In 48 plate appearances, he is hitting .302/.375/.628 with 3 home runs and 8 RBIs, along with an 180 OPS+. The 24-year-old looks to continue his hot hitting for the Tigers’ struggling offense.
2. Wilyer Abreu – BOS
Abreu hit .316/.388./.474 with 2 home runs in 28 games last season. To start the 2024 season, Abreu is hitting .316/.391/.526 with 2 home runs in 24 games. If Abreu can hit like this consistently, he’ll be a notable name around the league.
1. Colton Cowser – BAL
Cowser is off to a blazing start for Baltimore in 2024. In 86 plate appearances, Cowser is hitting .303/.372/.632 with 6 home runs, 18 RBIs, and an 189 OPS+. Cowser has been one of the best hitters for the Orioles, and he would be my vote for AL Rookie of the Year.
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