MLB Rookie of the Year: Ranking the Top Candidates for 2024, Including Two Wild Cards
ICARO Media Group
In a highly anticipated announcement, Major League Baseball is set to reveal the winners of the 2023 Rookie of the Year Awards. The frontrunners, Corbin Carroll of the Diamondbacks and Gunnar Henderson of the Orioles, are expected to take home the honors in their respective leagues. As fans eagerly await the official announcement, speculation has already begun regarding potential contenders for the 2024 season.
CBS Sports has taken a proactive approach and compiled a list of the three favorites to win the Rookie of the Year Awards next year, along with two potential wild cards who could shake up the races. Although it's difficult to predict with certainty at this early stage, these rankings provide an exciting glimpse into the possibilities for the upcoming season.
Leading the list for the American League is Jackson Holliday, a talented shortstop from the Orioles. Despite his young age and the presence of other skilled infielders on the team, Holliday has shown tremendous promise throughout his minor league career. If given the opportunity to make the Opening Day roster, he could become a top contender for the prestigious award.
The Rangers boast two promising outfielders who are poised to make an impact in the 2024 season. Evan Carter, already considered one of the best prospects in the minors, impressed during his big-league debut last September. With his excellent command of the strike zone and athleticism, Carter is expected to spend the entire season in the majors, giving him a significant advantage in the Rookie of the Year race. Wyatt Langford, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft, has exceeded expectations and demonstrated his power, discipline, and defensive skills. The only uncertainty lies in whether the Rangers will allow Langford to spend most of the season in the big leagues, as they continue to fast-track his development.
Switching gears to the National League, the Pirates' top pick in the 2024 draft, Paul Skenes, has caught the attention of scouts with his exceptional pitching ability. Despite some concerns about his fastball shape, Skenes has the potential to make a swift impact in the majors. With his premium power arsenal, it wouldn't be surprising to see him compete for the Rookie of the Year Award in his debut season.
Additionally, the Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong, known for his defensive prowess, may also make a strong case for the National League Rookie of the Year. However, his offensive performance will be the determining factor in his candidacy. Having made his debut in September, it remains to be seen how much playing time Crow-Armstrong will receive under new manager Craig Counsell.
And finally, Noelvi Marte of the Reds, who reached the majors in mid-August, showcased his hitting skills and potential. While his average launch angle needs improvement, Marte's impressive strength and ability to make adjustments may put him in contention for the National League Rookie of the Year Award.
In an interesting twist, two international players, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Jung Hoo Lee, also have the potential to claim the prestigious Rookie of the Year Award. Yamamoto, with his impressive track record in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league, is expected to make a successful transition to MLB. Similarly, Lee's speed, contact skills, and experience in the Korea Baseball Organization make him a strong candidate for the award.
While these rankings are purely speculative at this point, they provide an early glimpse into the exciting talent that could dominate the 2024 Rookie of the Year races. As the baseball world eagerly awaits next year's announcement, fans and analysts alike will continue to debate and discuss the potential winners and the impact they could have on their respective teams.
Stay tuned for more updates on the MLB Rookie of the Year races and the latest stories in Major League Baseball.