The playoffs feature 12 teams, including several rookies poised to make significant contributions this postseason, ranging from multiple Rookie of the Year nominees to a few recent call-ups ready to take on key roles in a short series. Below is my brief ranking of the leading rookies in the postseason, considering their potential impact based on anticipated playing time and usage:
1. Jackson Chourio, OF, Milwaukee Brewers
Chourio recently celebrated his 20th birthday in March and began the year as the Brewers’ center fielder. After making some adjustments in late May and early June, he emerged as one of the premier rookie hitters in baseball. From June 1 onward, he improved significantly from an earlier decline, posting a triple-slash line of .303/.358/.525. He became better at recognizing offspeed pitches and chasing fewer balls out of the strike zone, which prevented pitchers from exploiting him with low and away pitches or on the outer edges. Additionally, he is an excellent defender in either corner of the outfield and can manage center field if necessary.
2. Jackson Merrill, OF, San Diego Padres
I’ve stated previously that I believe Merrill should be the NL Rookie of the Year, though I acknowledge some weaknesses in his batting that may become more evident in a short series against top-tier pitching. When he does connect, he generates consistently hard contact, which is reflected in significant metrics on his Baseball Savant page, including some expected statistics that place him in the top 5 percent across Major League Baseball.
A key aspect to monitor will be his discipline at the plate, particularly regarding chasing pitches outside the zone; he fared well on those offerings during the regular season, but I expect that the pitches he encounters outside the strike zone in October will be of better quality than those faced earlier in the season. Another concern is his struggles against left-handed pitchers this year. While he is young enough that we can expect improvement in the future, the Padres might consider slotting him further down the lineup if they are up against a lefty starter.
3. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers
Yamamoto made his return from a three-month stint on the injured list, making four brief starts in September, totaling 16 innings, with 21 strikeouts, five walks, and one home run among seven runs allowed. He averaged 95.5 mph on his four-seam fastball, consistent with his pre-injury performance. While I doubt he will pitch deeply into games, he should remain effective for 4-5 innings. His splitter is a genuine strikeout pitch, contributing to a notable reverse platoon split this year; neither right- nor left-handed hitters managed to achieve a .300 on-base percentage against him.
The Yankees will be relying on Luis Gil to pitch crucial innings this October. (Adam Hunger / Getty Images)
4. Luis Gil, RHP, New York Yankees
With Nestor Cortes sidelined, Gil’s significance grows for the Yankees. Unfortunately, he struggled towards the season’s end after a strong start. Following the All-Star break, he recorded 28 walks in 49 1/3 innings, alongside a 4.20 ERA/5.21 FIP, despite having additional rest between several starts. Fortunately, the Yankees’ first-round bye should provide him with over a week of recuperation, potentially allowing him to regain some velocity lost in September. Although he primarily relies on his offspeed pitches rather than his four-seamer, so my concerns regarding that are less pronounced than they might be for other pitchers.
5. Colton Cowser, OF, Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles will include several rookies in their playoff roster, yet Cowser appears to have a definite spot in the lineup. After a challenging first half, he adopted a longer and heavier bat immediately after the All-Star break, which led to an increase in power, recording 12 of his 24 home runs and posting a .268/.337/.477 batting line in the second half, even as he had a 31.9 percent strikeout rate. Cowser excels against right-handed fastballs, often making solid contact; however, he strikes out over 40 percent of the time against non-fastballs and has historically struggled against left-handed pitching since his time in the high minors.
6. Austin Wells, C, New York Yankees
Wells has demonstrated his ability to hit well against right-handed pitchers, having hit all 13 of his home runs off righties with a .236/.327/.434 line, showing improvement as the season progressed. However, he continues to be inconsistent against left-handers, prompting the Yankees to likely start Jose Trevino whenever they face a lefty.
7. Spencer Schwellenbach, RHP, Atlanta
In his rookie season, Schwellenbach has emerged as one of Atlanta’s top starters, ranking among the top five NL rookie pitchers in WAR, thanks to a strong four-pitch repertoire featuring a plus splitter and an arguably elite slider with significant vertical break. There is a caveat: Schwellenbach pitched on Monday during the first game of Atlanta’s doubleheader against the Mets, making it likely that he will not appear until the Division Series, should the team advance that far.
8. Joey Ortiz, 3B/SS, Milwaukee Brewers
Ortiz, primarily a shortstop, showcased outstanding defense at third base for the Brewers this season while delivering average offensive production. He nearly matched the fWAR of Corbin Burnes, the player he was traded for, with numbers of 3.1 versus 3.7. Ortiz is a high-contact hitter with surprising power and could easily make a transition back to shortstop if necessary.
Cade Smith has been a significant contributor to an impressive bullpen in Cleveland. (Ken Blaze / USA Today)
9. Cade Smith, RHP, Cleveland Guardians
According to Statcast’s metrics, Smith’s four-seam fastball emerged as the most effective pitch in baseball for 2024, adding 28 runs above average. Although it lacks elite movement, his impressive extension of 7.4 feet gives batters less time to react, complemented by a competent splitter. Manager Stephen Vogt has maintained a simplistic approach to his relief pitching, yet the effectiveness of Smith and Emmanuel Clase has masked this issue. It’s worth mentioning that Smith has not faced more than five batters in an appearance for the past two months, primarily serving as a one-inning pitcher in the latter half of the season.
10. Parker Meadows, OF, Detroit Tigers
I chose Meadows over fellow Tigers rookie Colt Keith as I believe Meadows has a greater potential to impact individual games or series due to his defensive prowess. With +10 runs saved in 976 innings as a center fielder, he averages about 15 runs saved per 162 games. After an early-season demotion to Triple-A, he demonstrated improvement at the plate; while his batting remains somewhat weak he possesses power and demonstrates a disciplined approach, minimizing his swings at pitches outside the strike zone.
11. Tobias Myers, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers
Myers may have had the most unexpected year among those listed, and I’m hesitant to place him in the rotation for a short playoff series. However, the alternatives available to the Brewers also carry their own concerns. Myers lacks velocity and a standout pitch, succeeding instead with impeccable control and a fair amount of luck—his .282 BABIP this season, aided by a strong Brewers defense, and an 81.1 percent strand rate are numbers that aren’t likely to hold up over time.
12. Orion Kerkering, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies
Kerkering boasts an effective sinker/slider combination and can dominate right-handed batters with either pitch. However, he allowed a .347 on-base percentage to left-handed hitters and doesn’t possess another pitch to challenge them. He remains a valuable option in specific situations, but should rank below several other relievers based on matchups.
13. Jackson Jobe, RHP, Detroit Tigers
As I draft this, the composition of postseason rosters is unknown, so it’s uncertain whether Jobe will be on the Tigers’ roster for the first playoff round. However, he could serve as a tremendous asset for Detroit, whose bullpen logged 694 innings this year, a staggering 60 more than any other AL team. With a strong fastball/changeup combination, Jobe can effectively face both left- and
While he has performed admirably as a platoon player in a limited series, his subpar swing decisions this season do not bode well for his performance against stronger pitchers in October.
(Top photo illustration of Jackson Chourio (left): John Fisher / Getty Images and Jackson Merrill: Denis Poroy / Getty Images)
Rookie Impact: Ranking the Key First-Year Players in This Year’s MLB Playoffs
Understanding the Rookie Landscape
The MLB playoffs are not only a battleground for seasoned veterans but also a showcase for rookies who are making their mark. This year, several first-year players have emerged as pivotal contributors to their teams’ postseason success. In this article, we rank these key rookies based on their performance, potential impact, and the significance of their contributions to their respective teams.
Top Rookie Contenders for the 2024 MLB Playoffs
| Player | Team | Position | Regular Season Stats | Playoff Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Walker | St. Louis Cardinals | Outfielder | .285 AVG, 22 HR, 75 RBI | Key offensive contributor expected to lead off. |
| Gunnar Henderson | Baltimore Orioles | Infielder | .270 AVG, 28 HR, 78 RBI | Defensive stability and clutch hitting expected. |
| Josh Jung | Texas Rangers | Third Baseman | .275 AVG, 25 HR, 84 RBI | Power bat in the middle of the lineup. |
| Masyn Winn | St. Louis Cardinals | Shortstop | .265 AVG, 15 HR, 50 RBI | Defensive wizard and speed threat on the bases. |
| Brayan Bello | Boston Red Sox | Pitcher | 3.60 ERA, 175 SO | Expected to be a key starter in playoff rotation. |
1. Jordan Walker – St. Louis Cardinals
Jordan Walker has been a revelation for the St. Louis Cardinals. With a .285 batting average and 22 home runs in the regular season, his ability to get on base and hit for power makes him a vital asset. In the playoffs, Walker is expected to set the tone at the top of the lineup, utilizing his speed and power to challenge opposing pitchers.
2. Gunnar Henderson – Baltimore Orioles
Gunnar Henderson has solidified his place as one of the premier rookies in the league. His impressive .270 average along with 28 home runs showcases his offensive prowess. Henderson’s defensive capabilities at shortstop also provide the Orioles with reliability in crucial situations, making him a key player to watch in the postseason.
3. Josh Jung – Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers have found a cornerstone in Josh Jung. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations has been a game-changer for the Rangers. Hitting .275 with 25 home runs, Jung is expected to deliver powerful hits in the playoff series, where every run counts.
4. Masyn Winn – St. Louis Cardinals
Another standout rookie for the Cardinals is Masyn Winn. With a solid performance in the regular season, including a .265 batting average and fast base-running, Winn’s defensive capabilities at shortstop bolster the infield. His speed can turn potential doubles into triples, making him a threat on the bases.
5. Brayan Bello – Boston Red Sox
Brayan Bello has emerged as a reliable starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. With a 3.60 ERA and 175 strikeouts during the regular season, Bello has the skill set to dominate in the postseason. His performances will be crucial as he takes the mound in high-stakes situations, potentially swinging the momentum in favor of the Red Sox.
Factors Contributing to Rookie Success in the Playoffs
- Experience vs. Inexperience: Many rookies bring fresh energy to the team, while veterans provide guidance. Finding the right balance can be key.
- Pressure Handling: The ability to perform under pressure is vital. Rookies who have shown poise during the regular season may excel in the playoffs.
- Health and Fitness: Injuries can derail a rookie’s performance. Rookies who stay healthy will have a better chance of making a significant impact.
Benefits of Rookie Contributions in MLB Playoffs
Having rookies perform well during the playoffs can significantly benefit a team:
- Boosting Team Morale: Young players often bring enthusiasm that can uplift the entire team’s spirit.
- Future Foundation: Successful playoff runs can establish young players’ confidence and set the foundation for future seasons.
- Gap Filling: Rookies can fill gaps left by injured or underperforming veterans, making them crucial during key moments.
Real-Life Examples of Rookie Success in Playoffs
Over the years, MLB playoffs have seen numerous rookies rise to the occasion. Some notable examples include:
- Fernando Tatis Jr. in 2019 - His explosive play helped the Padres reach the postseason.
- Ronald Acuña Jr. in 2018 – Acuña’s dynamic presence powered the Braves during their playoff run.
- Chris Sale in 2012 - Sale’s impactful pitching as a rookie helped the Chicago White Sox make it to the playoffs.
What to Expect from These Rookies in the Current Playoffs
As the 2024 MLB playoffs unfold, the above rookies are poised to make significant contributions. Their combined offensive and defensive skills, along with their potential to perform under pressure, make them critical to their teams’ success. Many analysts believe that the performance of these first-year players could determine the outcome of several series.
Conclusion
Rookies have the potential to become game-changers in the MLB playoffs. As we watch these young stars shine under the bright lights, their journey will not only impact their teams but also shape the future landscape of baseball.
