White Sox duo of Nick Madrigal, Luis Robert lead MLB's 2020 impact rookies
This year’s rookie class is just as diverse as last year’s, with several players expected to hold down full-time MLB positions for at least three-quarters of the season.
Playing time plays a huge role in determining the top fantasy rookies. While Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell is the highest-rated prospect likely to make a first-half debut, Adell ranks 14th on this list since his eventual call-up might not be until July or August. Our top six guys are expected to make their 2020 debuts on opening day or before May 15.
Ranked by potential fantasy impact, here are this year’s top 15 rookies:
1. 2B Nick Madrigal, Chicago White Sox: While Madrigal isn’t expected to be an elite player when all is said and done, he has the best chance in this year’s rookie class to produce the most value out of the gate.
The 2018 first-round pick out of Oregon State has two elite tools – contact at the plate and defense in the field – that push his profile to immediate playing time in the majors. While he doesn’t hit the ball hard, he sprays it across the diamond, has a high on-base percentage and is a 20-steal threat.
2. OF Luis Robert, White Sox: Remember Eloy Jimenez’s debut last season, when he struggled initially due to weak pitch recognition yet still held his own and ended up slugging 31 home runs?
Enter Luis Robert, who has similar pitch recognition weaknesses, maybe worse, but the raw skills that should help him survive against big-league pitching. Plus, unlike Jimenez, Robert will contribute 20 or more stolen bases given adequate playing time.
MINOR LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: White Sox's Robert has all the tools
3. 2B-SS Gavin Lux, Los Angeles Dodgers: Lux followed up his breakout in 2018 with a much louder 2019 campaign, which saw him receive regular playing time with the Dodgers during the pennant chase and playoffs. A natural shortstop, Lux will slide over to second base – where he is expected to be the opening-day starter. He has a spray approach and continues to increase his home run output without compromising too much contact.
4. OF Austin Hays, Baltimore Orioles: For the third consecutive year, Hays has made our list. Barring health issues, he’s likely to be in the Orioles’ opening-day outfield, though long term he’s not likely to be a front-line contributor. However, Hays could be a nice value pick with 20-plus home run power and 15-steal potential. Beware in OBP formats, Hays struggles with aggressiveness, especially against breaking pitches.
5. 2B Mauricio Dubon, San Francisco Giants: If not for a midseason trade from Milwaukee, Dubon would likely be a 2020 fantasy afterthought. The 25-year-old is a solid player but doesn’t do anything above average other than make contact.
He is an aggressive hitter who struggles to take walks but has enough power to hit double-digit home runs and the speed to swipe 10 bags.
6. 1B Evan White, Seattle Mariners: White is expected to be the starting first baseman in Seattle after he signed an extension this offseason that bought out his arbitration years.
He is not likely to be a top contributor at the position but could be a nice batting average stabilizer even as he adjusts to big-league pitching. Anything beyond that in fantasy is gravy.
7. OF Dylan Carlson, St. Louis Cardinals: Carlson broke out in 2019, after just holding his own in previous years as he was pushed aggressively against more advanced competition.
While he’s likely ticketed for the minors early in 2020, his advanced skill set is ripe for immediate big-league success. Carlson makes solid contact, hit 26 home runs split between Class AA and AAA last season and could steal 20-plus bases if given the opportunity. He’s also cerebral about getting on base.
8. LHP Jesus Luzardo, Oakland Athletics: Our first pitcher on the list, Luzardo starred down the stretch out of the bullpen, despite missing time early in the season recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Luzardo has top-of-the-rotation potential with advanced pitchability and control, making him a solid bet for quality innings in the rotation.
9. C Sean Murphy, Athletics: If not for injuries, Murphy would likely have made his debut last May. Instead, he was a September call-up, displaying excellent defense and a newfound power stroke that pushed his profile.
He likely starts 2020 in a platoon. However, Murphy’s defensive ability could lead to more at-bats, which will show up in improved power numbers.
10. IF Carter Kieboom, Washington Nationals: Kieboom had a forgettable MLB debut last May as he struggled to make contact against major league competition. Still, his future looks bright, especially with Anthony Rendon leaving as a free agent. While competition exists, Kieboom could seize the majority of at-bats at third base for the Nationals. While he lacks traditional corner infielder power, he makes up for it with batting average upside and doubles potential.
11. 2B-SS Nico Hoerner, Chicago Cubs: Like Lux, Hoerner is likely to slide from his natural position to second base to open the season. His versatility could bring him additional playing time elsewhere if someone else grabs the opening at second.
Hoerner has high average potential but scouts question his power. For now, owners should expect the average to play with a chance to steal 10 or more bases.
12. IF-OF Nick Solak, Texas Rangers: Solak had one of the brighter late-season debuts after being acquired in a midseason trade with Tampa Bay. A multi-positional performer, Solak should soak up regular playing time at second base and in the outfield. He is a patient hitter and gets on base frequently. However, the added dimension of power will allow for even more opportunity.
13. RHP Dustin May, Dodgers: The tall, lanky May made his debut in August and pitched solidly. His 2020 opportunities might not be as great as his numbers last year indicate given the Dodgers’ non-traditional reliance on several starting pitchers. Still, May should limit baserunners and strike out enough hitters to be profitable this year.
14. OF Jo Adell, Angels: His 2019 season was marred by injuries and struggles. He never quite looked right after leg problems caused him to miss most of the first half. Still, the skill set is immense and the power should play right away, even if the average might need maturation. There’s double-digit steal potential with playing time opportunity.
15. OF Randy Arozarena, Tampa Bay Rays: He is an under-the-radar grab in 2020 with the potential to provide double digit homers and steals while posting solid batting average returns. Unfortunately, none of his tools carry his profile – meaning Arozarena’s production will likely come in a less-than-full-time role.
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