We take a look at the performance of rookies around the majors in our first Rookies of the Year rankings.
There isn’t much excitement surrounding rookies in MLB this year, unlike the NFL and NBA. The reason for this is partly because baseball doesn’t do a great job of promoting its superstar players. The other reason is that there are many rookies in MLB who played last season, or made their debuts during the first two months. Some players who were eligible for Rookie of Year votes last year are still eligible.
The leading contenders to win the NL and AL rookie of the year awards for this season were Pirates 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes, Rays OF Randy Arozarena and Rays OF Randy Arozarena.
Opening Day was April. Since Opening Day on Apr. To see who has a chance of winning the illustrious award, we will be looking at five top rookies in the AL and NL. All ROY odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook.
NL Rookies
1. Trevor Rogers, Miami Marlins — Rogers has been by far the best rookie during the first two months. His odds of winning the NL ROY award in 2021 were long. But he won Rookie-of-the-Month for April and May. With a record of 6-3 and 1.87 ERAs, he has been the Marlins’ best pitcher with 76 strikeouts over 62.2 IP.
2. Atlanta Braves Ian Anderson – The 23 year-old pitcher gave Atlanta Braves a taste for big league action last season, giving the team a much-needed boost (3-2 and 1.95). Anderson continues to improve and will likely join Rogers for this year’s NL ROY award. Through 10 starts, Anderson is now 4-2 and has a 3.27 ERA. Anderson was 7th in the voting for this year’s ROY award. However, he won’t be there in the same spot. After not meeting the innings cut-off last season, Anderson is now eligible for this year’s award.
3. Dylan Carlson, St. Louis Cardinals — Carlson had a taste of major league action in the shorter 2020. He only managed to hit.200/.252/.364 in 35 games with 3 HRs, 16 RBI and 2 HBP. The rookie outfielder is now a regular fixture in the Cards’ starting line-up. Carlson’s batting average is.279/.362/.437, with 6 HRs (and 26 RBI) in 221 plate appearances.
4. Jazz Chisholm (Miami Marlins) – Chisholm is another Marlins ROY candidate. He entered the season with +2500 odds. The infielder is a spark at the plate as well as on the bases. In 126 plate appearances, the 23-year old is batting.272/.333/.482 and has 6 HRs and 13 RBI. He has nine stolen bases and was only caught twice.
5. Pavin Smith, Arizona Diamondbacks — Another player who spent some time with the big-league club was Pavin Smith. Smith isn’t content with his achievements and has instead become a key offensive component in the DBacks’ bat order. Smith, 25, is hitting.290/.344/.460 in 218 plate appearances. He has 21 RBI and 5 HRs. He has also been hitting a blistering.417 in 13 games.
AL Rookies
1. Adolis Garcia (Texas Rangers) – It’s a no-brainer, even though Garcia wasn’t on anyone else’s radar prior to the season. He’s now firmly established himself as one of the most powerful hitters in the game. He is currently slashing.284/.320/.574 and has 16 HRs, 41 RBI and 194 plate appearances. He was recently named the AL’s Rookie-of-the-Month for May.
2. Tampa Bay Rays’ Randy Arozarena – This is the betting favorite to win this year’s ROY. Last season’s postseason hero, he has continued his winning ways. Arozarena’s batting average is.254/.345/.400, with 7 HRs, 27 RBI and 235 plate appearances. There’s a good chance that he will win the AL East award if the Rays win.
3. Yermin Mercedes Chicago White Sox – Mercedes, another older rookie like Garcia has been one the most exciting stories in baseball this year. The White Sox designated batter got off to an explosive start that opened up the season. He has been tearing apart the ball ever since. The 28-year old is hitting.304/.359/.470 and has 7 HRs and 30 RBI. He was also named AL Rookie of the month in April.
4. Chicago White Sox’s Nick Madrigal – Madrigal is not well-known due to the number of sluggers in Chicago. He is a very productive hitter and sets the table for the other guys in the order. In 195 plate appearances, the young second baseman has a batting average of.291/.333/.396 and has 18 RBI.
5. Casey Mize, Detroit Tigers — The former top overall pick in the 2018 MLB Amateur Draft’s 2018 MLB Amateur Draft has shown significant improvement from last year. Mize’s record is 3-3 with a 3.28 ERA in 10 starts this season. Mize’s K/9 is now at 7.3, down from 8.3 in 2020. However, his BB/9 & HR/9 have dropped to 3.1 and respectively 1.1.
Last Updated on November 18, 2021
