It’s been a great season so far with parity across both leagues. Even baseball’s version of the Miami Heat hasn’t been as dominant as some suspected with Cliff Lee struggling and Roy Halladay a tad less consistent than usual.
On the other hand, a new wave of talent has taken the league by storm. Even the Washington Nationals have promise not just because of back-to-back top picks, Bryce Harper and Steve Strasburg, but also due to a rookie slugger in the middle infield.
Here’s a look at some rookies who have flourished so far this season.
Domonic Brown, OF, Phillies
An early injury stalled his start to the season, but Domonic Brown is finally where we always expected him, manning right-field for the Phillies.
The five-tool talent is a key reason the Phillies let Jayson Werth sign with the Nationals this off-season. He entered the season as Baseball America’s fourth-overall prospect, fresh off a fine season in the minor leagues with 20 home runs, 17 steals and a .327 average.
Brown blasted his first home run of the season on Tuesday and lifted his average to .333. In just 10 games this season, Brown has affirmed his reputation as a future star.
Danny Espinosa, 2B, Nationals
The Nationals second baseman entered the season projected as a younger version of Dan Uggla. Thus far, Espinosa has outperformed the Braves second baseman.
On Tuesday, Espinosa blasted two home runs with four RBI. Though his average is just .217, the rookie middle infielder has totaled 10 home runs and a stellar 33 RBI.
Espinosa will be in the running for the NL Rookies of the Year award, but to one day be an MVP candidate, he will have to bat for average. That’s a part of his game that Espinosa has never mastered, even in the Minor Leagues.
Al Alburquerque, RP, Tigers
A 24-year-old flame-thrower in the Tigers bullpen, Alburquerque has dominated in his first taste of Major League action. The right-hander has picked up wins in his last three appearances, but what’s more impressive is his soaring rate of strikeouts.
With 30 Ks in 17.1 innings, Alburquerque boasts a sensational 15.6 K/9 inning rate. Likely a future closer in the Big Leagues, Alburquerque is a rare middle reliever that has earned a spot on fantasy baseball lineups.
Brandon Crawford, SS, Giants
Though his teammate Brandon Belt is the more popular pick for the NL Rookie of the Year Award this season, Brandon Crawford has been more productive so far in the Majors.
The 24-year-old California native has been a hit with the Giants, thanks to a .333 average, a home run, and stolen base through his first six games. Though Crawford struggled a bit last season in the minors, he is a former fourth-round pick who is projected to offer a nice blend of power and speed as the Giants shortstop for years to come.
Justin Turner, 2B, Mets
The Mets have had a dismal season in just about every way imaginable, but Justin Turner has been a rare bright spot. The long-time prospect has enjoyed the opportunity to fill the void at second base with a .324 average and 21 RBI in 30 games.
Turner is not expected to be a long-time solution, as he lacks both power and speed, but he is a solid hitter who bats behind Jose Reyes. At the moment, he’s a decent fantasy option in deep leagues.
Dillon Gee, SP, Mets
For the second season in a row Dillon Gee has managed to go under the radar in New York City. Last season, Gee thrived during a late call-up to pick up two wins with a 2.18 ERA in five starts.
This season, Gee is a perfect 5-0 with a solid 3.83 ERA and 1.15 WHIP through 10 games. More recently, Gee struck out eight Pirates in a solid seven-inning outing.
He is a fine fantasy pick-up, particularly when he pitches at the cavernous Citi Field.
Freddie Freeman, 1B, Braves
After a slow start to the season, Freeman has picked up some steam at the plate. With three hits on Tuesday, including his 11th double of the season, Freeman lifted his average to .265 with 17 RBI.
Freeman now has eight hits over his last four games, and his five home runs rank amongst the top rookies this season. Lauded more for his consistency than his power, Freeman is a fine long-term option at first base.
Eric Hosmer, 1B, Royals
The legend grows for Eric Hosmer, one of the brightest prospects in the game who is expected to help turnaround the Royals fortunes.
On Tuesday, Hosmer had another fine day at the office with two hits, two runs, two RBI, and a stolen base. The rookie first baseman now boasts five homers, 17 RBI, 2 steals and a .283 average through 23 games.
The 21-year old phenom has met expectations in the Kansas City so far, and is my pick for the AL Rookie of the Year award this season.