MLB Rookie Power Rankings highlight an exciting contest for the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year Award. Paul Skenes, once the clear frontrunner, now faces stiff competition from rising stars Jackson Merrill and Jackson Chourio.
Although Skenes, an All-Star starter, remains a strong candidate, the late-season performances of 21-year-old Merrill and 20-year-old Chourio have turned this race into a thrilling spectacle. Fans and analysts alike are keenly observing whether either player can surpass Skenes in the rankings.
So, have Merrill or Chourio done enough to dethrone Skenes from the No. 1 position in the latest rankings?
The following rookie power rankings reflect the dynamic changes in performance as the season approaches its final month, featuring two newcomers and significant movements.
(Note: The rankings are updated monthly. Some players, like Lawrence Butler, Xavier Edwards, and Matt Waldron, have lost their rookie eligibility per MLB standards.)
Who’s surging?
Spencer Arrighetti (SP, Houston Astros)
Spencer Schwellenbach (SP, Atlanta Braves)
Pete Crow-Armstrong (OF, Chicago Cubs)
Connor Norby (2B/3B, Miami Marlins)
Will Wagner (2B, Toronto Blue Jays)
Honorable mention
Luis Gil (SP, New York Yankees)
Previous ranking: 7
Gil had an impressive May, going 6-0 with a 0.70 ERA. However, since June 20, his performance has dipped, posting a 5.84 ERA over his last ten starts, with opponents hitting .822 against him. While he showed signs of recovery in July, his struggles in August may be attributed to a lower back injury that placed him on the injured list. His return is anticipated, and it will be intriguing to see what role he will play for the playoff-bound Yankees.
The top 10
10. Mason Miller (RP, Oakland Athletics)
Previous ranking: 8
Miller has faced challenges recently, allowing 10 baserunners in his last three games, which raised his ERA to 2.52. Despite this, he remains one of the most dominant bullpen pitchers, boasting a remarkable 42% strikeout rate, the highest among all MLB relievers, justifying his place on this list.
9. Tyler Fitzgerald (SS, San Francisco Giants)
Previous ranking: 9
Fitzgerald may not have as many plate appearances as other rookies, but his performance since mid-July is remarkable. He leads all qualified rookies in batting average, slugging percentage, and OPS. With 14 home runs and 16 steals in just 76 games, he stands out among rookies who have played significantly more games.
8. Masyn Winn (SS, St. Louis Cardinals)
Previous ranking: 10
Winn’s consistency is commendable. He has maintained a batting average above .250 every month and improved to a .292 average in August. Tied with Jackson Merrill for the most hits among rookies, his contributions on both offense and defense have made him a leader in bWAR among all rookies.
7. Austin Wells (C, New York Yankees)
Previous ranking: unranked
6. Wilyer Abreu (OF, Boston Red Sox)
Previous ranking: 5
Abreu excels against right-handed pitchers, showcasing an .886 OPS against them. While he has a tendency to strike out, he hits the ball hard and provides solid defense in the outfield. He leads all qualified American League rookies in batting average, slugging, OPS, and doubles.
5. Shota Imanaga (SP, Chicago Cubs)
Previous Ranking: 6
Despite a dip in performance compared to his dominant first half, Imanaga has allowed three earned runs or fewer in 10 of his last 11 starts. His metrics rank him among the top two for rookie starters, with a 3.14 ERA and 148 strikeouts.
3. Jackson Chourio (OF, Milwaukee Brewers)
Previous Ranking: unranked
2. Paul Skenes (SP, Pittsburgh Pirates)
Previous Ranking: 1
1. Jackson Merrill (OF, San Diego Padres)
Previous ranking: 4
Merrill has emerged as the new favorite for the NL Rookie of the Year, showcasing impressive versatility as a converted shortstop now excelling in center field. He leads all rookie hitters in hits, home runs, triples, and RBIs, marking an outstanding first professional season. His performance in high-pressure situations, with six game-tying or go-ahead home runs late in games, sets him apart. With an OPS over 1.000 in close scenarios, Merrill has proven to be the most valuable rookie in baseball this season, solidifying his position as the Padres’ key player in late-game situations.
Also considered: Michael Busch (1B, Chicago Cubs), Tobias Myers (SP, Milwaukee Brewers), Gavin Stone (SP, Los Angeles Dodgers), Colt Keith (2B, Detroit Tigers), Jhonkensy Noel (OF, Cleveland Guardians), Joey Estes (SP, Oakland Athletics), Ceddanne Rafaela (SS/CF, Boston Red Sox), Cade Smith (RP, Cleveland Guardians), Hunter Gaddis (RP, Cleveland Guardians), Spencer Horwitz (2B, Toronto Blue Jays)
