MLB Rookies Off to an Impressive Start This Season

We are now one month into the 2024 MLB season, and a new wave of rookies is making an impact across the league. From power pitchers to dynamic outfielders, these are the rookies who have been the most impressive so far this season.

MLB Rookies Off to Impressive Start in 2024

OF Colton Cowser (Baltimore Orioles)

The Baltimore Orioles are loaded with young talent, but nobody is swinging the bat quite like Colton Cowser right now. Despite starting the season without a guaranteed spot in the lineup, Cowser has seized the opportunity and become a Rookie of the Year favorite. The former fifth-overall pick struggled in his debut last season but has become one of the American League’s best rookies. Cowser is hitting .276/.354/.575 with six home runs, 19 RBI, and a .929 OPS through 32 games. His impressive offensive stats and knack for making solid contact have quickly earned him an everyday role with the Orioles.

RHP Mason Miller (Oakland Athletics)

Athletics rookie closer Mason Miller is “scary to see, and fun to watch.” The 25-year-old flamethrower made his MLB debut with the Athletics last season, pitching in 10 games before injuring his UCL. He made six starts for Oakland before moving to the bullpen and becoming the most effective closer in baseball. Miller throws the hardest fastball in the majors at 100.7 mph and a slider ranking in the top 10 for movement. The right-hander has pitched to a 1.26 ERA with eight saves and 29 strikeouts in 14 ⅓ innings. Miller has dominated as the A’s closer, ranking in the 100th percentile in fastball velocity, whiff rate, and strikeout rate. Mason Miller is lighting up radar guns, locking down games, and giving Athletics fans something to be excited about.

LHP Shōta Imanaga (Chicago Cubs)

No pitcher in the majors has had a more dominant start than Cubs rookie left-hander Shōta Imanaga. After years of success in Japan, Imanaga signed a four-year, $53 million contract with Chicago in January. The 30-year-old rookie has had a historic start to his major league career here in the U.S. Imanaga sports a perfect 5-0 record, a 0.78 ERA, and 35 strikeouts through his first six career starts. He is only the second pitcher in the last 70 years with a 0.80 ERA or lower in his first six career starts. Imanaga’s 0.78 ERA is the lowest through a minimum of 30 innings pitched in six starts since 1945. Imanaga deceives hitters with an elevated fastball and a rare left-handed splitter, making him a force to be reckoned with.