Young talent is blossoming at the MLB level, both in the American and National League.
While several first-year players have certainly disappointed, others have held their own and are now regular contributors in the most demanding league in the world.
MLB recently ranked the best rookies of the 2022 season in both leagues, as a way to keep track of the Rookie of the Year race.
https://t.co/Z3s2EpgF39's best rookies of 2022 ➡️ https://t.co/YNgXIlriIA
Who are your top picks? pic.twitter.com/pa3KzFXXqK
— MLB (@MLB) June 16, 2022
Yes, it’s still very early, but it doesn’t hurt anyone to rank their contributions and odds to win, does it?
In the American League, Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez gets the top spot.
He is slashing .263/.329/.422 with eight home runs and a whopping 17 stolen bases, with 1.8 Wins Above Replacement (WAR).
Many people think, however, that MLB’s second-ranked Jeremy Pena should take the lead.
Pena, currently on the injured list, is hitting .277/.333/.471 with nine homers and some really solid defensive play at shortstop.
The Astros infielder has a 2.4 WAR output, best among rookies.
Kansas City Royals infielder Bobby Witt Jr., Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan, and Chicago White Sox slugger Jake Burger complete the top five.
MacKenzie Gore Leading The National League
Meanwhile, San Diego Padres left-hander MacKenzie Gore is leading the pack in the National League.
He has taken a sizable step forward with his control and is sporting a solid 2.50 ERA in 50.1 innings so far.
He has been a blessing for the Padres.
In second place, we have the St. Louis Cardinals’ Brendan Donovan.
Spencer Strider of the Atlanta Braves is currently occupying the third spot, while Cardinals infielder Nolan Gorman and Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki are tied for fourth place.
Suzuki had an incredible start of his MLB career, but cooled off a few weeks into the season, and then got injured.
Who will be the winners of the Rookie of the Year award in both leagues?
With more than half of the season still to go, anything can happen.
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