MLB is not like NBA and NFL, in the sense that draft picks are not expected to contribute from Day 1.
MLB hitters and pitchers often spend several seasons going through the Minor League Baseball ladder.
Rookie ball, then full season ball: Low-A, High-A, Double-A, Triple-A, and then the best baseball league in the world.
The process can take time.
However, more than a few players drafted in 2019 are already making a huge impact for their teams, just three years after going pro.
The 2019 draft is already making a huge impact at the MLB level. 💪
(MLBStats x @NewEraCap) pic.twitter.com/kaMR5DgjKQ
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) August 23, 2022
The most impactful player from the 2019 class, considered one of the strongest in the last few years, is Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman.
He was called up in late May, and virtually turned around a losing franchise all by himself.
The Orioles have one of the best records in the league since he became a major leaguer.
Rutschman Leads An Impressive Contingent Of Rookies
He leads all rookies in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) with 3.6, and is slashing .259/.366/.455 with great defense behind the plate.
Then we have Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.
A premier power-speed threat since his high school days, Witt is hitting .250/.293/.431 with 16 home runs, 24 stolen bases, 60 runs, and 60 RBI.
Alek Manoah has become an ace for the Toronto Blue Jays, and George Kirby is on his way to doing the same for the Seattle Mariners.
But that’s not all: we have two members of the Atlanta Braves, too, in outfielder Michael Harris III and infielder Vaughn Grissom.
Harris has a .505 slugging percentage, 13 home runs, and 15 stolen bases, while Grissom is slashing .391/.440/.652 in his first 50 MLB at-bats.
There is plenty of talent drafted three years ago currently producing incredible numbers at the highest level.
It has the potential to go down as one of the most productive draft classes ever.
NEXT: MLB Insider Shares The Fallout Of An Angels Sale