MLB is loaded with talented rookies this season.
The future of the sport was in good hands before the year even started, but now that even more young stars have emerged, it’s impossible not to be excited about the direction baseball is heading in.
Today, we’re going to take a look at three rookies in the American League who are deserving of MVP votes.
We’re not saying these players deserve to win the MVP award (because frankly, they don’t), but we are saying these players deserve to pop up on some ballots.
Let’s get started.
3. Luis Garcia – Houston Astros
Luis Garcia is having an incredible rookie season for the Houston Astros.
The righty debuted in 2020, but he maintained his rookie status since he only appeared in five games.
This year, he has appeared in 26 games, and he has been one of the AL’s most reliable starters.
He has a 3.29 ERA, 3.37 FIP, and 1.11 WHIP.
He has fanned 155 batters in 134 innings.
Luis Garcia struck out Tatis off a 97 MLB fastball pic.twitter.com/lZHeqXn2f2
— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) September 5, 2021
Save for three rocky appearances, he has allowed three runs or fewer in all of his outings.
The 24-year-old has been a massive part of Houston’s success this season.
He has an exceptionally high ceiling.
2. Adolis Garcia – Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers have an incredibly exciting talent in Adolis Garcia.
The 28-year-old gets the job done on both sides of the ball, as he is a solid offensive player and an elite outfielder.
Over 125 games this season, he has a .778 OPS, 111 OPS+, 29 homers, 22 doubles, and two triples.
Defensively, he has a WAR of 1.0 and a Defensive Runs Saved of 9.
In all, the youngster has a 3.5 WAR, a phenomenal mark for a rookie.
He is under club control through the 2026 season, so the Rangers are going to enjoy his growth for many years to come.
1. Randy Arozarena – Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena might not win the MVP award this season, but he will almost certainly get one in the future.
In fact, he already has an ALCS MVP award under his belt, which is pretty amusing when you consider the fact that he’s still a rookie (he played in 2020 but didn’t exceed rookie limits).
The 26-year-old is having a great year in 2021.
He’s batting .274 with an OPS of .822 and OPS+ of 133.
He has homered 19 times, doubled 24 times, and tripled three times.
So much swag!
Randy Arozarena with a triple makes the most of the leadoff spot for the @RaysBaseball! #RaysUp pic.twitter.com/4WVSFZAWsg
— Bally Sports Florida & Bally Sports Sun (@BallySportsFL) September 4, 2021
He has a 3.5 WAR so far, putting him on pace for a nice 4.1 mark by the end of the year.
The sky is the limit for Arozarena, and the Rays are undoubtedly happy to have him around.
Wrap-Up
As mentioned, none of these players are actually going to win the AL MVP award this season.
That honor will almost certainly go to Los Angeles Angels phenom Shohei Ohtani, who is having one of the greatest seasons in MLB history.
However, these players deserve recognition for the seasons they are having.
It’s a shame there’s only one AL Rookie of the Year Award to go around, because every guy on this list is worthy.
Keep an eye out next season to see which of these three rookies makes the biggest leap.
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