MLB · 1 year ago

Ranking the Top 10 Emerging Superstars in the MLB

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1. Colton Cowser - Baltimore Orioles - OF - Age: 24
2024 Stats: 105 G / 364 PA / 124 wRC+ / 16 HR / 7 SB / 3.1 fWAR

Colton Cowser has been one of the most impressive young players in baseball in 2024, making a strong case for AL Rookie of the Year. After a brief debut in 2023, Cowser has emerged as the most consistent rookie hitter in baseball, posting a 124 wRC+ and hitting 16 home runs.

Cowser’s ability to provide fantastic defense across multiple outfield positions has made him invaluable to the Baltimore Orioles. His production at the plate and in the field has helped the Orioles lead the league in home runs in 2024.

As Cowser continues to gain experience, he is poised to become a cornerstone player for the Orioles. Improving his performance against left-handed pitching could elevate his game even further, but he has already proven to be a valuable asset for Baltimore.
10. Joey Ortiz - Milwaukee Brewers - 3B - Age: 26
2024 Stats: 91 G / 325 PA / 109 wRC+ / 7 HR / 6 SB / 2.0 fWAR

Joey Ortiz has hit a rough patch recently, with a 25 wRC+ over the last 30 days. However, it’s important not to overlook his overall performance in his first full MLB season. Ortiz has accumulated 2.0 fWAR and has been an average hitter by wRC+ standards, improving his performance by 9% in 2024.

Ortiz’s first Major League home run was a 108 mph rocket, showcasing his potential. After struggling in his first 15 games with the Baltimore Orioles in 2023, Ortiz has proven himself as a valuable everyday player for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Defensively, Ortiz is elite at 3B and offers positional flexibility, having also played at 2B and SS in 2024. Although his production has dipped since the All-Star break, Ortiz posted a 128 wRC+ in the first half of the season. His impressive contact skills, with a 93.1% Z-Contact rate and a chase rate below the MLB average in the last 30 days, suggest he can become one of the most consistent third basemen in the league.
9. Tyler Fitzgerald - San Francisco Giants - SS/OF - Age: 26
2024 Stats: 51 G / 153 PA / 186 wRC+ / 12 HR / 7 SB / 2.6 fWAR

Despite a small sample size, Tyler Fitzgerald has been a revelation for the San Francisco Giants in 2024. In just 51 games, the right-handed hitter has delivered excellent production at SS, a position the Giants have struggled to fill since Brandon Crawford's decline.

Fitzgerald has posted 2.6 fWAR in just over 150 plate appearances. If he maintained this pace over a full season, he’d project over 10 fWAR. While his 30.7% strikeout rate is a concern, Fitzgerald’s performance at Triple-A and his improvements in wRC+ show that his success is no fluke.

Defensively, Fitzgerald has been reliable both in the infield and outfield, contributing to the Giants' success. His sprint speed has earned him seven steals, and his 12.9% barrel rate ranks sixth among shortstops with at least 150 plate appearances. Fitzgerald’s scorching form over the last 30 days, with a 274 wRC+ and nearly 2.0 fWAR, suggests a bright future for the Giants' young star.
8. Michael Busch - Chicago Cubs - 1B - Age: 26
2024 Stats: 108 G / 400 PA / 148 wRC+ / 15 HR / 2 SB / 2.2 fWAR

Michael Busch has quickly become one of the Chicago Cubs' most reliable players since Opening Day. Acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers before the 2024 season, Busch ranks second among Cubs hitters in fWAR and wRC+, solidifying his place in the lineup.

Busch’s consistency at the plate is noteworthy, as he has yet to post a below-average wRC+ in any month of the 2024 season. His 124 wRC+ ranks sixth among qualified first basemen, a remarkable feat for a player in his first full season.

Defensively, Busch has excelled at 1B, ranking in the 87th percentile in OAA. Although his strikeout rate above 30% is a slight concern, Busch’s elite batted ball data and .354 BABIP suggest that his success is sustainable. As the Cubs continue their playoff push, Busch remains a key contributor in their lineup.
7. Masyn Winn - St. Louis Cardinals - SS - Age: 22
2024 Stats: 105 G / 430 PA / 108 wRC+ / 9 HR / 10 SB / 2.7 fWAR

Masyn Winn has firmly established himself as a top-10 shortstop in his first full MLB season. Ranking eighth in fWAR and tenth in wRC+ among shortstops, Winn has exceeded expectations for the St. Louis Cardinals.

After a challenging 2023 season, Winn has significantly improved, posting an 8% better wRC+ than the league average and playing excellent defense. His combination of range and arm strength makes him one of the best defensive shortstops in baseball, with his arm strength ranking second only to Oneil Cruz.

Winn’s 101.2 MPH throw is the hardest by any infielder this season, highlighting his defensive prowess. As he continues to develop, Winn has the potential to become the league’s best defensive shortstop.
6. Patrick Bailey - San Francisco Giants - C - Age: 25
2024 Stats: 85 G / 327 PA / 101 wRC+ / 7 HR / 3 SB / 3.7 fWAR

Patrick Bailey has quickly become one of the most valuable defensive players in baseball since his debut in 2023. With 48 runners caught stealing out of 115 attempts, Bailey ranks third among all catchers, despite playing in fewer games than those ahead of him.

Bailey excels in every aspect of catching, ranking in the 100th percentile in both caught stealing rate and framing, and in the 97th percentile in pop time. His 3.7 fWAR ranks 14th in all of baseball, primarily due to his defensive value.

Offensively, Bailey has shown improvement, increasing his wRC+ from 78 in 2023 to 101 in 2024. While his offensive contributions may be modest, they are a bonus considering his elite defensive skills.
5. Lawrence Butler - Oakland Athletics - RF - Age: 24
2024 Stats: 108 G / 441 PA / 106 wRC+ / 19 HR / 21 SB / 2.9 fWAR

Lawrence Butler has been a breath of fresh air for the Oakland Athletics. After a slow start to his MLB career, Butler has turned it around in 2024, posting a 167 wRC+ since his June call-up and hitting 11 homers.

Butler’s consistent loud contact has led to a 91.9 mph average exit velocity, ranking him in the 88th percentile. His ability to hit against both righties and lefties, coupled with his above-average arm and speed, makes him a valuable asset in RF.

As Butler continues to develop, he could become a 20/20 player with the potential to reach 30/20 in 2025, providing much-needed excitement for the struggling Athletics.
4. Wilyer Abreu - Boston Red Sox - RF - Age: 25
2024 Stats: 86 G / 297 PA / 131 wRC+ / 12 HR / 7 SB / 2.4 fWAR

Wilyer Abreu has bee4. Wilyer Abreu - Boston Red Sox - RF - Age: 25n one of the Boston Red Sox's most impressive young players in 2024. Acquired in the 2022 trade with the Houston Astros, Abreu has continued his success, posting a 131 wRC+ and hitting 12 home runs this season.

Abreu’s ability to hit the ball hard and lift it, evidenced by his 48.1% flyball rate, has led to a .513 slugging percentage, ranking sixth among qualified hitters 25 years old or younger. His recent hot streak, with a 205 wRC+ over the last month, suggests he’s only getting better.

While Abreu struggles against left-handed pitching, his overall production and defensive skills make him a key player for the Red Sox moving forward.
3. Mark Vientos - New York Mets - 3B - Age: 24
2024 Stats: 66 G / 259 PA / 148 wRC+ / 16 HR / 2.2 fWAR

Mark Vientos has emerged as one of the New York Mets' most promising young power hitters in 2024. After a challenging start to his MLB career, Vientos has turned things around, posting a 148 wRC+ and hitting 16 home runs in just 66 games.

Vientos’ improvement at the plate has been fueled by a focus on going back up the middle and using the whole field. His pull rate has increased, but this balanced approach has led to more consistent contact and power.

Defensively, Vientos has made significant strides, reducing his defensive value deficit and improving his fWAR ceiling projection. As he continues to mature as a hitter and defender, Vientos could become a key player for the Mets in the years ahead.
2. Brenton Doyle - Colorado Rockies - CF - Age: 26
2024 Stats: 108 G / 441 PA / 106 wRC+ / 19 HR / 21 SB / 2.9 fWAR

Brenton Doyle has made remarkable strides in 2024, becoming one of the most improved players in baseball. After a tough 2023 season, Doyle has increased his slugging percentage and cut his strikeout rate significantly, leading to a much-improved wRC+ and overall performance.

Doyle’s combination of power, speed, and elite defense has made him one of the best all-around outfielders in the sport. He leads the Colorado Rockies in fWAR, home runs, stolen bases, and wRC+ this season, providing a much-needed bright spot for the team.

As Doyle continues to develop, he has the potential to become a fan favorite at Coors Field and a key player for the Rockies moving forward.
1. Colton Cowser - Baltimore Orioles - OF - Age: 24
2024 Stats: 105 G / 364 PA / 124 wRC+ / 16 HR / 7 SB / 3.1 fWAR

Colton Cowser has been one of the most impressive young players in baseball in 2024, making a strong case for AL Rookie of the Year. After a brief debut in 2023, Cowser has emerged as the most consistent rookie hitter in baseball, posting a 124 wRC+ and hitting 16 home runs.

Cowser’s ability to provide fantastic defense across multiple outfield positions has made him invaluable to the Baltimore Orioles. His production at the plate and in the field has helped the Orioles lead the league in home runs in 2024.

As Cowser continues to gain experience, he is poised to become a cornerstone player for the Orioles. Improving his performance against left-handed pitching could elevate his game even further, but he has already proven to be a valuable asset for Baltimore.
10. Joey Ortiz - Milwaukee Brewers - 3B - Age: 26
2024 Stats: 91 G / 325 PA / 109 wRC+ / 7 HR / 6 SB / 2.0 fWAR

Joey Ortiz has hit a rough patch recently, with a 25 wRC+ over the last 30 days. However, it’s important not to overlook his overall performance in his first full MLB season. Ortiz has accumulated 2.0 fWAR and has been an average hitter by wRC+ standards, improving his performance by 9% in 2024.

Ortiz’s first Major League home run was a 108 mph rocket, showcasing his potential. After struggling in his first 15 games with the Baltimore Orioles in 2023, Ortiz has proven himself as a valuable everyday player for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Defensively, Ortiz is elite at 3B and offers positional flexibility, having also played at 2B and SS in 2024. Although his production has dipped since the All-Star break, Ortiz posted a 128 wRC+ in the first half of the season. His impressive contact skills, with a 93.1% Z-Contact rate and a chase rate below the MLB average in the last 30 days, suggest he can become one of the most consistent third basemen in the league.

Ranking the Top 10 Emerging Superstars in the MLB

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