The 2023 MLB rookie class is shaping up to be a fascinating one. The American League race is starting to heat up among the favorites. Few stand out in the pack, with no one truly going away with it. The only difference from this month to last is Hunter Brown, who was left off this time. Instead, there’s a third baseman in the AL West who’s helped fuel their team’s surprising start by elevating them to a playoff position. Then, there’s an import player from Japan who continues to make noise in the AL East, while another threat from that same division is quickly emerging from the floodgates.
As we’re at the midway point of the season, rookie hitters have a combined 30.9 fWAR, which is one pace to be the second-highest total this century. This would be behind the 2015 rookie class that included Kris Bryant, Carlos Correa, and Francisco Lindor. Here is how the 2023 AL rookie class is turning out to be.
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Editors note: All statistics are through July 9.
2023 MLB Rookie of the Year: AL Rookies
Masataka Yoshida, Boston Red Sox
In the offseason, Yoshida signed a five-year, $90 million contract as he’s living up to the deal. He’s arguably been the most important player on the Boston Red Sox. In 301 at-bats, he’s hitting .316/.382/.492 with ten home runs, 44 RBI and 47 runs scored. In contrast, he’s not a power hitter; his effective plate discipline and ability to make contact make him one of the best hitters on the roster. Yoshida remains in the top five offensive categories, including batting average and OPS. He ranks in the 61st percentile in HardHit% as his xSLG rank in the league’s top half.
Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles
The former second round draft pick had a slow start to the season. Now, Henderson is picking up the pace after a monster month of June. He batted for a .320 average, six home runs, 16 RBI and a .944 OPS. He’s top four in on-base percentage, slugging and OPS for qualified rookies. Despite the recent streak, he still has work to catch up to Jung and Yoshida. Henderson ranks in the bottom 25% of the league in K% and Whiff%. With other young talent hitting around him, like Adley Rutschman and Anthony Santander, Henderson should see more advantageous situations.
Josh Jung, Texas Rangers
Jung has fit in nicely in the Texas Rangers‘ rise to the top of the AL West division. The third baseman is hitting .282/.331/.504. He’s tied for fifth in the AL with 19 home runs as he’s batting in the middle of the Rangers lineup. His strikeout rate has decreased thanks to a 130 wRC+, and he ranks in the top 20% of the league in xBA. He’s ranked in the 90th percentile in xSLG average exit velocity. Jung has the same number of runs and (28) RBI on the road and at home. However, he has one more home run on the road than at home.
Honorable Mentions: Yennier Cano, Bryce Miller, Esteury Ruiz, Logan Allen, Hunter Brown
Photo Credit: © Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Players mentioned:
Hunter Brown, Kris Bryant, Carlos Correa, Francisco Lindor, Masataka Yoshida, Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman and Anthony Santander, Josh Jung, Yennier Cano, Bryce Miller, Esteury Ruiz, Logan Allen
