7 rookies who have stood out in their first season in the Major League ft. Paul Skenes, Jackson Merrill
The 2024 MLB season has produced a bunch of outstanding rookies, with Paul Skenes undoubtedly being one of the biggest sensations of the year. However, there have been plenty of outstanding young players like Skenes who have been highly impressive in their first season in the big leagues.
We take a look at some of the leading candidates for Rookie of the Year in the MLB this season.
Seven rookies who have stood out in their first season in the Major League
#7 Michael Busch, 1B (Chicago Cubs)
Michael Busch joined the Chicago Cubs in the offseason after making his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year.
The 26-year-old has produced a .256/.343/.444 slashlinem with 16 home runs and an OPS+ of 119. He has also played excellent defense at first base, with eight defensive runs saved.
#6 Tyler Fitzgerald, SS (San Francisco Giants)
Tyler Fitzgerald has exploded in the second half of the 2024 season and made history for the San Francisco Giants by hitting home runs in five straight games.
He has batted .303/.359/.641 since the start of July, including 14 home runs, while he has also played solid defense at shortstop.
#5 Mason Miller, RHP (Oakland Athletics)
Mason Miller spent a long period on the sidelines after making his MLB debut last year and retained his rookie status until midway through the 2024 campaign.
The 26-year-old has been lights out in the closer role for the Oakland Athletics with 21 saves this season while racking up 82 strikeouts in 50 innings with a 1.84 ERA.
#4 Masyn Winn, SS (St. Louis Cardinals)
Masyn Winn made his MLB debut for the St. Louis Cardinals last year, but he will retain his rookie status until the end of this season.
The 22-year-old is batting .278/.325/.415 with 11 home runs and 46 RBIs in the leadoff role. Winn has also played solid defense at shortstop, with 13 defensive runs raved.
#3 Jackson Chourio, OF (Milwaukee Brewers)
Jackson Chourio had an unimpressive start to the season after making his debut for the Milwaukee Brewers on Opening Day.
However, he has been on a tear for the past few months and has batted .314/.362/.514 since June with 10 home runs. Chourio has also got 15 defensive runs saved in addition to three outfield assists.
#2 Jackson Merrill, OF (San Diego Padres)
Jackson Merrill has undoubtedly been the best rookie position player since making his debut for the San Diego Padres in their season opener at Seoul.
The 21-year-old has batted .288/.319/.488, including 19 home runs and 72 RBIs and an OPS+ of 125, besides repeatedly producing in clutch situations for the team.
#1 Paul Skenes, RHP (Pittsburgh Pirates)
Paul Skenes is widely regarded as the best pitching prospect to have emerged in the MLB over the past few decades.
Skenes has been dominant since making his debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates in May. He has an 8-2 record from 17 starts, with a 2.16 ERA, while recording 130 strikeouts in 104 innings.