It seems like there is another talented group of rookies who could make a big impact in the majors this year. Baseball’s next big star could come from this year’s rookie class.
Here’s a closer look at some of the most interesting rookies this year:
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki
The Dodgers became even stronger when they signed Sasaki to a minor league contract in January, which included a $6.5 million signing bonus. The 23-year-old right-handed pitcher, known for his fastball that can reach over 100 mph, had a 29-15 record with a 2.10 ERA during four seasons with the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan’s Pacific League. The star-studded Dodgers may use a six-man rotation during parts of the season to help Sasaki adjust to the majors.
New York Yankees outfielder Jasson Domínguez
With Juan Soto leaving in free agency, there’s now a chance for Domínguez to get regular playing time with New York. Known as “The Martian,” Domínguez was signed for a $5.1 million bonus when he was just 16 years old in 2019. He made his major league debut in 2023, but his progress has been slowed by elbow and oblique injuries. Last year, he hit .314 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs in 58 games across three minor league teams.
Washington Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews
The smooth-hitting Crews was selected by Washington with the second pick in the 2023 amateur draft, right after his LSU teammate Paul Skenes was picked first overall by Pittsburgh. Crews is a well-rounded player, hitting .270 with 13 home runs, 68 RBIs, and 25 stolen bases in 100 minor league games last year. He was called up by Washington in August and stole 12 more bases while hitting .218 with three home runs in 31 games during his first time in the majors.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Jackson Jobe
The 22-year-old Jobe joins Detroit’s rotation after throwing four scoreless innings in two relief appearances during his first big league experience in September. He also pitched 1 2/3 innings, allowing three runs, in the playoffs. The Tigers selected Jobe with the third overall pick in the 2021 draft.
Jackson Jobe pitches in the 9th inningChicago Cubs infielder Matt Shaw
Shaw takes over at third base for a Cubs team hoping to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020. The 23-year-old Shaw was picked by the Cubs with the 13th pick in the 2023 draft. Last year, he hit .284 with 21 home runs, 71 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases across two minor league teams.
Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony
The Red Sox have a strong outfield with Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Wilyer Abreu, but the 20-year-old Anthony, who is one of baseball’s top prospects, is pushing for a spot. He ended last season with Triple-A Worcester, hitting .344 with three home runs and 20 RBIs in 35 games, along with a .982 OPS. He could make his big league debut this summer.
Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Jordan Lawlar
Lawlar, the sixth overall pick in the 2021 draft, was slowed down by thumb and hamstring injuries last season. Despite this, there is still a lot of potential in the 22-year-old shortstop. He played in just 23 minor league games last year, but he hit .318 with two home runs and 20 RBIs. He will start the season with Triple-A Reno to get regular playing time.
Athletics infielder Jacob Wilson
Jacob Wilson, the son of former big league infielder Jack Wilson, is an important part of the A’s future as they prepare to move to Las Vegas. Wilson made his major league debut in July, and the 22-year-old shortstop hit .250 with three RBIs in 28 games. The No. 6 pick in the 2023 draft also had an impressive minor league season, batting .433 (90 for 208) with seven home runs and 39 RBIs in 53 games last year.
San Diego Padres outfielder Tirso Ornelas
Ornelas had a strong season with Triple-A El Paso, hitting .297 with 23 home runs and 89 RBIs in 128 games. The Mexico native was signed by San Diego as part of its 2016 international signing class. Although he was sent to minor league camp late in spring training, he could make his big league debut this summer.
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano
The 35-year-old Sugano signed a $13 million, one-year contract with Baltimore in December. He is coming off his third MVP season in Nippon Professional Baseball’s Central League, where he went 15-3 with a 1.67 ERA for the Yomiuri Giants. With Corbin Burnes leaving in free agency, the Orioles are hoping Sugano can help improve their rotation.
