Holliday among the majors’ most intriguing rookies
CHICAGO >> Baltimore infielder Gunnar Henderson and Arizona outfielder Corbin Carroll starred on playoff teams last season, and they were rewarded with the rookie of the year awards.
One of these prospects might be able to follow in their footsteps. Here is a look at some of the most intriguing rookies this year:
Baltimore Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday
The 20-year-old son of former major league outfielder and Colorado Rockies veteran Matt Holliday batted .323 with 12 homers, 75 RBIS and 24 steals over four minor league stops last year, shooting through Baltimore’s system after he was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 amateur draft. Where Holliday plays whenever he joins the loaded Orioles remains a question, but it sure looks as if he will fit right in at the plate. He’ll start the season in the minors.
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto
The 25-year-old Yamamoto had a shaky Dodgers debut after agreeing to a record $325 million, 12-year contract over the winter. But he went 16-6 with a 1.21 ERA last season for Orix in Japan’s Pacific League. His repertoire includes a fastball that runs into the mid90s, a nasty splitter and a looping curveball. The Dodgers are expected to contend for the franchise’s eighth World Series championship, so Yamamoto’s transition to the majors will be closely watched this summer.
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio
The 20-year-old Chourio finalized an $82 million, eight-year deal with Milwaukee — before his big league debut. It’s the most money guaranteed to a player with no major league experience, and there is a lot to like about the Venezuela native. He batted .282 with 22 homers, 91 RBIS and 44 steals in 128 combined games with Doublea Biloxi and Triple-a Nashville last year.
Texas Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford
The 22-year-old Langford made the reigning World Series champions out of spring training after he was the No. 4 overall pick in last year’s amateur draft out of the University of Florida. He rocketed through Texas’ minor league system last summer, batting .360 with 10 homers and 30 RBIS in 44 games over four stops. He had more walks (36) than strikeouts (34), and also swiped 12 bags in 15 attempts.