If there is ever any doubt about how much of an impact rookies can have on a team, one need only look to the 2022 rookie class. Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez, Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, Braves outfielder Michael Harris II and Braves righthander Spencer Strider all emerged as instant stars last season and altered the fortunes of their respective franchises. Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña won a Gold Glove and the ALCS and World Series MVP awards, becoming the first rookie shortstop to do any of those things.
Mariners righthander George Kirby made his debut during the season and became a fixture in Seattle’s playoff rotation. Angels lefthander Reid Detmers threw a no-hitter on his way to a breakout season, Royals third baseman Bobby Witt Jr. had 20 homers and 30 stolen bases, and Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan emerged as one of baseball’s best pure contact hitters.
The importance of young talent continues to grow every year, and the number of rookies making significant impacts does too.
Here, we present the top 20 rookies to watch for 2023, taking both talent and opportunity into account.
1 GUNNAR HENDERSON
TEAM: ORIOLES AGE: 22 POS: 3B/SS
The 2022 Minor League Player
