Much like last season, 2024 has seen explosive and exciting rookies. In the NL last season, Corbin Carroll of the Arizona Diamondbacks won the NL Rookie of the Year. The competition is exciting and eventful this season, and the last few weeks of the season promise to be good.
Top Three Rookie Of The Year Candidates
Jackson Chourio, 20
One of the youngest players in the league, Jackson Chourio, has been exciting and entertaining this season. The Milwaukee Brewers, who have run away with the NL Central, have been massively helped by Chourio’s skill this season. Chourio is set to have a 20/20 season in his very first season in the league; apart from his skill is his unique double threat of speed and power.
With 19 steals and 16 home runs, Chourio is set to end the season with 20 home runs and 24 steals, an impressive number for the speedy rookie. In addition to speed and power, Chourio has presented the Brewers with a nice .276 average, which is uncommon for rookies. Chourio deserves consideration for Rookie of the Year for his speed, power, and contribution to the Brewer’s success this season. There is no doubt that Chourio is a future star for the Brewers.
Paul Skenes, 22
Paul Skenes has come out and has been effective for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Although the Pirates are no longer in contention for the NL Central or even an NL Wild Card spot, there is no doubt that their rotation has much promise. Skenes, who has started just 18 games, has struck out 136 and walked just 26. Apart from his excellent control of the strike zone is his ability to control the scoreboard. Skenes has managed a 2.23 ERA and has gone 8-2 for the Pirates this season.
Despite the limited amount of starts this season, there is no doubt he deserves consideration for the NL Rookie of the Year. He has done very well this season for the Pirates, who have done well themselves this season when he has pitched; it is the bullpen and other contributing factors to Pittsburgh’s fall this season. Skene’s future may be similar to Jacob deGrom’s, with his elite ability to throw triple digits, control the strike zone while doing so, and control the scoreboard. Cy Young awards may be in the future for Skenes, who deserves credit for the Pirates even being able to float around .500 this season.
Jackson Merrill, 21
This season has been magical for Jackson Merrill. The Padres, who have been consistently injured this season, have been delighted to use Jackson Merrill in their outfield. This season, Merrill has hit 19 home runs, stole 14 bases, drove in 75 runs, and hit .292. These stats show how elite Merrill has been this season as a rookie. With power, speed, and average, Merrill is almost certainly the favorite for the NL Rookie of the Year.
At first, it seemed Chourio and Skenes were favored for the ROY; however, as the season continued, Merrill got better and better. The beginning of the season saw Merrill have less power and average, as in the first three months, Merrill had managed to hit just three homers. In the last three months, Merrill has smashed 16 home runs. There is doubt that Merrill will receive much attention at the end of the year for the ROY.
At the end of the season, hitters and even pitchers will duel it out. And whoever performs better may win the ROY. In the future, the MLB will continue to see bright stars.
Main Photo Credits: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
