MLB Rookie Rankings: Paul Skenes, Jackson Merrill Lead The Way

Image credit: Paul Skenes (Photo by Eddie Kelly / ProLook Photos)

Update: The original post excluded prospect No. 20.

Heading into the season, Baseball America ranked the top 20 rookies. A lot has changed since February, resulting in just nine of those players holding onto spots on this midseason update.

Note that this new rookie ranking is not a ranking of year-to-date performance, nor is it not a rest-of-season projection. Instead it blends both YTD and ROS performance in an attempt to forecast which rookies will be most valuable at the end of the season.

1. Paul Skenes, RHP, Pirates

The first pick in the 2023 draft. The best pitching prospect in a decade. All-Star Game starter as a rookie. Skenes is baseball’s hardest-throwing starting pitcher and has lived up to the hype by incorporating a splinker to keep lefthanded hitters at bay.

2. Jackson Merrill, OF, Padres

Merrill had not played an inning in center field as a professional before this season, but he won the job in spring training and made the All-Star team. His acumen in the outfield is impressive, which he pairs with good power and strong bat-to-ball skills.

Padres SS/OF Jackson Merrill makes his MLB debut at the Seoul Series in South Korea.

3. Michael Busch, 1B, Cubs

Busch remained mired in the minors for an extra season with the Dodgers, but his ‘three true outcomes’ hitting approach has played in Chicago, where he leads the Cubs—not to mention all qualified rookies—in OPS.

4. Joey Ortiz, 3B, Brewers

Regarded as a standout defensive shortstop in the Orioles’ system, Ortiz has started all but four games this year at third base. He stands out defensively and does a little bit of everything well offensively, especially when it comes to controlling the strike zone.

5. Mason Miller, RHP, Athletics

Even if averaging 100 mph isn’t what it used to be—six relievers have done it so far this year—Miller has the type of stuff and results to be an All-Star closer for years to come, if that’s the role he occupies.

6. Colton Cowser, OF, Orioles

Cowser’s power and elite defense in Baltimore’s spacious left field has helped propel the Orioles to the best record in the American League.

7. Masyn Winn, SS, Cardinals

One of the youngest players in the National League, Winn has solidified the shortstop position for St. Louis with strong defense, elite arm strength and a solid-average bat.

8. Shota Imanaga, LHP, Cubs

Imanaga only throws about 92 mph, but the first-year Japanese-born pitcher has experienced wild success because of the unique release characteristics and spotless control of his fastball. The novelty of a lefthanded starter throwing a splitter also works in his favor.

9. Luis Gil, RHP, Yankees

Gil can beat opposing hitters in the zone with his fastball, slider and changeup, as evidenced by a 28% strikeout rate, and he throws just enough strikes to make it work with a high walk rate.

10. Gavin Stone, RHP, Dodgers

Stone learned all the right lessons from the 9.00 ERA he posted in 31 innings in 2023. He added a sinker and cutter and now throws more sliders to accentuate his excellent changeup.

11. Wyatt Langford, OF, Rangers

Drafted fourth overall last year, Langford hit his way onto the Opening Day roster. The results have been more acceptable than outstanding, but that will change if he begins making more ideal contact.

12. Jackson Chourio, OF, Brewers

Chourio has shown flashes of the five-tool ability that will make him a future star, but he has experienced growing pains as the youngest player in MLB.

13. Wilyer Abreu, OF, Red Sox

Boston added Abreu at the 2022 trade deadline when it sent Christian Vazquez to the Astros. It’s the type of around-the-margins win one finds on competitive teams. Abreu has been an asset as a platoon corner outfielder with a good glove.

14. Simeon Woods Richardson, RHP, Twins

Woods Richardson turned up his fastball velocity, as well as his slider and changeup usage, to lock in a rotation spot for a contender in an encouraging rookie season.

15. Colt Keith, 2B, Tigers

Following a hapless April, Keith has been one of the more productive rookie hitters. He is a capable defender at second base with a solid-average bat backed by quality plate discipline.

16. James Wood, OF, Nationals

Wood led all Triple-A hitters in OPS and has big power befitting his 6-foot-7 frame. Despite his long levers, he has historically kept strikeouts in check, and he projects to do the same at the MLB level after an adjustment.

17. Heston Kjerstad, OF, Orioles

Playing for a winning team with a crowded outfield has capped Kjerstad’s opportunity, but he has produced when spotted against righthanders. Perhaps the trade deadline will bring a personnel shakeup?

18. Spencer Horwitz, 2B, Blue Jays

One of the more pleasant rookie surprises is the 26-year-old Horwitz, who learned to play second base at Triple-A to create a space on the Toronto roster. His on-base-oriented, lefthanded bat is a perfect complement to the Blue Jays’ lineup.

19. Ben Rice, 1B, Yankees

The Yankees had a gaping chasm at first base and called on development success story Rice to provide thump. The lefthanded hitter has answered the call with a power-and-patience approach that befits Yankee Stadium.

20. Daniel Schneemann, SS/OF, Guardians

The 27-year-old emerged in spring training, tore up Triple-A and has acclimated himself as a super-utility option in Cleveland. He has started multiple games at shortstop, third base, second base, center field and right field, all while brandishing an on-base-oriented bat with some power.