Top 10 MLB Rookies – April 2021 Edition
Major League Baseball is back after a rocky 2020. Trading card collectors are eager to see which rookies stand out. We’ve compiled a list of 10 of the best rookies so far in 2021. We’ve chosen six batters and four pitchers to watch.
Yermin Mercedes – Chicago White Sox – Leading all rookies in batting average, OPS, home runs and RBIs, this designated hitter is a huge contributor on a talented White Sox team. His batting average of .415 is second only to Mike Trout.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. – Miami Marlins – This talented second baseman batted .290 in the month of April and hit four home runs. This speedster also has seven stolen bases to lead all rookies.
Adolis Garcia – Texas Rangers – Tied for rookie home runs with five, this rookie is a classic slugger. The outfielder slugging percentage (.515) is more than double his batting average (.242) and his 24 strikeouts in 66 chances is among the highest rookies. Garcia can hit the long ball and as he matures as a batter he could become the man to watch in September.
Tyler Stevenson – Cincinnati Reds – This rookie catcher is not only a field general but also a big contributor on offense. In only 15 games he is hitting .359, second among rookies behind Mercedes.
Nick Madrigal – Chicago White Sox – Often overlooked by sportswriters because of his superstar rookie teammate, Mercedes, Nick Madrigal is among the best rookies in the league. The second baseman is batting .316 and has scored 16 runs, second among rookies. Finally, in his 76 plate appearances he has an amazing low three strikeouts! This contact hitter has 24 hits, 4 doubles and two triples. He has yet to hit a homerun, but his eye for the ball means it’s a matter of time.
Zach McKinstry – Los Angeles Dodgers – The youthful world champions have another star in the making. Zach McKinstry is batting .296 with three home runs and 14 RBIs in only 54 at-bats. It’s hard to make a name for yourself on a team full of superstars, but this rookie could be a huge contributor throughout the year.
Ryan Weathers – San Diego Padres – With three starts and three appearances in relief, Ryan Weathers is quickly becoming one of the most valuable Padres pitchers. His ERA of 0.55 is a few ticks behind league leader, Jacob DeGrom, and opponent batting average of .080 is better than league leader, Carlos Rodon.
JP Feyereisen – Milwaukee Brewers – In 15 games as a reliever JP has an ERA of ZERO! He’s only allowed four hits while striking out 13.
Trevor Rogers – Miami Marlins – In five games as the starter, Rogers has thrown 38 strikeouts in only 28 innings pitched.
Michael Kopech– Chicago White Sox – With two starts and four appearances in relief, Kopech has 27 strikeouts in only 15.2 innings and a WHIP of 0.70, second behind Ryan Weathers among rookies.
Honorable mentions – Pitchers– Adbert Alzolay, Josh Fleming, Luis Garcia, Chris Rodriguez
Honorable Mentions – Batters – Dylan Carlson, Dom Nunez, Randy Arozarena, Pavin Smith
With three entries in our top 10, the Chicago White Sox have an incredible youth contingent. This could be the team to watch over the next few years. We are sure they’d love to bring another world championship to Chicago.
