We are now one month into the 2024 MLB season, and a new wave of rookies is making an impact across the league. From power pitchers to dynamic outfielders, these are the rookies who have been the most impressive so far this season.
MLB Rookies Off to Impressive Start in 2024
OF Colton Cowser (Baltimore Orioles)
The Baltimore Orioles are loaded with young talent, but nobody is swinging the bat quite like Colton Cowser right now. Despite starting the season without a guaranteed spot in the lineup, Cowser has seized the opportunity and become a Rookie of the Year favorite. The former fifth-overall pick struggled in his debut last season but has become one of the American League’s best rookies. Cowser is hitting .276/.354/.575 with six home runs, 19 RBI, and a .929 OPS through 32 games. His impressive offensive stats and knack for making solid contact have quickly earned him an everyday role with the Orioles.
RHP Mason Miller (Oakland Athletics)
Athletics rookie closer Mason Miller is “scary to see, and fun to watch.” The 25-year-old flamethrower made his MLB debut with the Athletics last season, pitching in 10 games before injuring his UCL. He made six starts for Oakland before moving to the bullpen and becoming the most effective closer in baseball. Miller throws the hardest fastball in the majors at 100.7 mph and a slider ranking in the top 10 for movement. The right-hander has pitched to a 1.26 ERA with eight saves and 29 strikeouts in 14 ⅓ innings. Miller has dominated as the A’s closer, ranking in the 100th percentile in fastball velocity, whiff rate, and strikeout rate. Mason Miller is lighting up radar guns, locking down games, and giving Athletics fans something to be excited about.
LHP Shōta Imanaga (Chicago Cubs)
No pitcher in the majors has had a more dominant start than Cubs rookie left-hander Shōta Imanaga. After years of success in Japan, Imanaga signed a four-year, $53 million contract with Chicago in January. The 30-year-old rookie has had a historic start to his major league career here in the U.S. Imanaga sports a perfect 5-0 record, a 0.78 ERA, and 35 strikeouts through his first six career starts. He is only the second pitcher in the last 70 years with a 0.80 ERA or lower in his first six career starts. Imanaga’s 0.78 ERA is the lowest through a minimum of 30 innings pitched in six starts since 1945. Imanaga deceives hitters with an elevated fastball and a rare left-handed splitter, making him a force to be reckoned with.
Shota Imanaga could join this group today: pic.twitter.com/25S4Q6v9ey
— nugget chef (@jayhaykid) May 7, 2024
RHP Jared Jones (Pittsburgh Pirates)
While all eyes have been on the Pirates’ top pitching prospect Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh’s rookie right-hander Jared Jones has been sensational. Despite being on an innings restriction, the 22-year-old has pitched like a future ace over his first seven career starts. Jones holds multiple records in both team and league history and has become one of the league’s most electric starters. Through seven major league starts, he is 2-3 with a 2.63 ERA, 52 strikeouts, and only five walks. He ranks fourth among qualified pitchers in strikeouts per nine (11.41) and third in walks per nine (1.10). Jones has showcased his dominance on the mound with excellent control and a strikeout rate in the 94th percentile.
OF/SS Jackson Merrill (San Diego Padres)
Jackson Merrill is one of the many shortstops on the Padres roster who are playing out of their natural position. Merrill impressed early in Spring Training, but with their middle infield already set, San Diego moved him to center field. The rookie shortstop turned center fielder is slashing .283/.331/.383 with two homers and 16 RBI through 36 games. He ranks in the 91st percentile in outs above average in center field, a position he had never played before at the professional level. At just 21 years old, Jackson Merrill has impressed both at the plate and in the field.
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