GRADUATING WITH HONORS
With each passing year, another rookie record falls.
In 2017, Aaron Judge set a new rookie record with 52 home runs. In 2018, Juan Soto recorded a historic .406 on-base percentage for a teenager.
In 2019, it was Pete Alonso’s turn.
The Mets’ first baseman hit a rookie-record 53 home runs to lead another banner season for rookies. Alonso shined brightest in a season where baseball’s top three prospects—Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr. and Eloy Jimenez—debuted and showed flashes of why they are considered future franchise players.
Rookies stood out at every position across the diamond, pushing many worthy players off our all-rookie team. Pirates shortstop Kevin Newman, Nationals outfielder Victor Robles, D-backs first baseman Christian Walker and Indians outfielder Oscar Mercado all made big impacts for their respective teams but were pushed off by the sheer depth of this year’s rookie class.
Similarly, Indians righthander Zach Plesac, D-backs righthander Zac Gallen and Brewers righthander Adrian Houser all had
