Thursday is Major League Opening Day, and the Triple-A schedule starts the next day. Now that the season preview mode is finally coming to an end, we can see more clearly where some of the best prospects in the game will be playing at the highest levels. For instance, we already know that Wyatt Langford, ranked No. 6, and Jackson Chourio, ranked No. 2, will begin the 2024 Major League season in the Majors. Additionally, we are aware that No. 3 Paul Skenes and No. 1 Jackson Holliday will be at Triple-A.
That makes it a little clearer who each league’s early Rookie of the Year favorites are. Compared to last year, when MLB Pipeline’s top two prospects—Gunnar Henderson of the Orioles and Corbin Carroll of the D-backs—won championships, this year’s competition may be a little more unpredictable. Or not, given the foreign crop in the National League this year, which is still rookie-eligible while not being on our prospect lists.
I’ve divided the most prominent contenders in each league into a number of categories to aid in handicapping those Rookie of the Year contests.
With his wealth of postseason experience from Texas’s World Series run last fall, Carter has to be viewed as having the advantage. The 21-year-old can also assist with his plus-plus speed and strong defensive ability in the outfield. However, is there any doubt that Langford, who was selected fourth overall in the Draft, might dominate the league the following season? With his 70-grade power and his advanced approach, the former Florida Gator might produce impressive results right out of the gate. Even though he DHs right away, his bat will be a significant factor in talks for Player of the Year even if the reigning champions didn’t hesitate to include him in the Opening Day lineup.
Keith is the most highly regarded talent of the group at No. 22 overall. His excellent left-handed swing earned him a six-year agreement in the off-season and a starting position at second base for the Tigers. His forceful contact will be crucial to Detroit’s postseason campaign. Rafaela, with his excellent center field defense and versatility at short, may have the highest floor of this group; nevertheless, he must control his aggression at the plate. It wouldn’t surprise me if Meadows received a few votes because of his excellent glove and strong play this spring.
After a great spring, Holliday was undoubtedly headed toward an Opening Day slot. Rather, when he gets used to the keystone, he will bring his plus-plus hit tool to the International League. The most significant determining element in his ROY candidacy may be how long he stays down there. While Isaac Paredes is manning third for the Rays in St. Petersburg, Caminero doesn’t have a clear path, so before he gets a taste at playing in the major leagues again, Durham’s top prospect from Tampa Bay may hit ten home runs. Tiedemann has explosive Major League talent, but following an injury-plagued 2023 season, his workload may be restricted.
Cleveland may look to its top two prospects to bring it some much-needed power in the AL Central. With a.520/.600/1.040 line and four home runs in 13 games (he wasn’t even invited to the non-roster), DeLauter was one of the team’s best spring performances, and that support the 55-hit, 60-power profile he’d set while healthy in the Minors. Martinez, who has had three seasons in a row with more than 28 home runs, may be useful at second base for Toronto due to his slugging prowess.
All three players—Yamamoto, Lee, and Imanaga—are at least 25 years old and have performed in South Korea and Japan for many years. Chourio, who turned 20 this month, has played in just six games above Double-A ball in the United States.
However, a large contract to contribute right away was handed to all four of them. Despite his debut in Seoul, Yamamoto is still the overwhelming favorite here thanks to his mid-90s velocity and varied four-pitch mix, but don’t discount Chourio, who can use his strength, quickness, and defense to keep the conversation moving quickly.
