As the 2024 MLB season progresses toward its final weeks, it’s evident that many top prospects have not only made their major league debuts but have also begun to establish themselves as significant contributors. Heading into the season, the baseball world was abuzz with anticipation for several highly touted prospects, and now, many of these young talents have graduated from being future stars to becoming major league regulars.
Among the standout rookies this season, three players have particularly shone brightly and emerged as key figures for their teams. These players are Jackson Chourio of the Milwaukee Brewers, Jackson Merrill of the San Diego Padres, and Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Each of these young athletes has demonstrated exceptional skill and potential, making them the top rookie prospects in the league.
Jackson Chourio, LF, Milwaukee Brewers (20 years old)
Chourio, ranked as the No. 2 prospect in the preseason, signed an impressive $82 million extension before making his major league debut. Although he faced a slow start to the season with a batting line of .217/.257/.344 through his initial games, Chourio has turned things around significantly since June 10. Over this period, he has posted a .310/.373/.540 slash line with a 150 wRC+, showcasing his ability to outperform the league average by 50%.
Defensively, Chourio has proven himself capable in the outfield, with metrics indicating his value as a defender. Despite being primarily used in the corner outfield positions due to the presence of Blake Perkins, his defensive performance has been notable, contributing positively to his overall value.
Jackson Merrill, CF, San Diego Padres (21 years old)
Merrill, who had not previously played center field professionally before this season, has excelled in his new role. He is on track for a 20-20 rookie season, contributing significantly with 4.3 WAR, the highest among rookies. Despite some initial bad luck in terms of hitting, Merrill has shown impressive growth and consistency. His defensive metrics are strong, particularly in center field, where he has been evaluated as above average. His ability to make adjustments and his overall performance have solidified his status as a key player for the Padres.
Paul Skenes, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates (22 years old)
Skenes has quickly made a name for himself in the major leagues with an outstanding start to his career. He leads all qualified pitchers in average fastball velocity and ERA and ranks second in ERA estimators and strikeout rate. His performance has been consistently high, and he is already being considered among the top pitchers in the game. Skenes’s ability to sustain his early success and continue to perform at a high level supports the belief that he could become one of the premier pitchers in baseball.
While these three have been the standout performers, other notable rookies have also made their mark. Players like Elijah Green and Langford have shown flashes of their potential, though they have yet to match the early success of the top trio. Caminero is on the verge of graduating from prospect status and has the potential to hit 30 home runs per season, though it remains to be seen how he will develop further. Wood has struggled defensively but has made significant contributions at the plate.
In summary, the 2024 MLB season has been marked by the impressive performances of several top rookies. Chourio, Merrill, and Skenes have emerged as the top prospects, each demonstrating their potential to become franchise cornerstones for their respective teams. As the season draws to a close, their continued development and contributions will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.