Heading into the season, Baseball America ranked the heading into the season. A lot has changed since February, however, resulting in just nine of those players holding onto spots on this midseason update.
Note that this new rookie ranking is not a ranking of year-to-date performance, nor is it not a rest-of-season projection. The updated ranking, as topped by Pirates pitching phenom Paul Skenes, instead blends both YTD and ROS performance in an attempt to forecast
which rookies will be most valuable at the season’s end.
1. Paul, RHP, Pirates
The first pick in the 2023 draft. The best pitching prospect in a decade. All-Star Game starter as a rookie. Skenes is baseball’s hardest-throwing starting pitcher and has lived up to the hype by incorporating a splinker to keep lefthanded hitters at bay.
2. Jackson Merrill, OF, Padres
Merrill had not played an inning in center field as a professional before this season, but he won the job in spring training and made the All-Star team. His acumen in the outfield is impressive, which he pairs with good power and strong bat-to-ball skills.
Busch remained mired in the minors for an extra season with the Dodgers, but his ‘three true outcomes’ hitting approach has played in Chicago, where he leads the Cubs—not to mention all qualified rookies—in OPS.
5. Joey Ortiz, 3B, Brewers
Regarded as a standout defensive shortstop in the Orioles’ system, Ortiz has started all but four games this year at third base. He stands out defensively and ,especially when it comes to controlling the strike zone.
6. Mason Miller, RHP, A’s
Even if averaging 100 mph isn’t what it used to be—six relievers have done it so far this year—Miller has the type of stuff and results to be an All-Star closer for years to come, if that’s the role he occupies.
7. Colton Cowser, OF, Orioles
Cowser’s power and elite defense in Baltimore’s spacious left field has helped propel the Orioles to the best record in the American League.