The only rookies to make the All-Star Game, Trevor Rogers and Adolis García remain the frontrunners for the Rookie of the Year Awards in each league and claim the top two spots in our Rookie Power Rankings for the second straight edition.
The RPR reflect how we project the Rookie of the Year voting will turn out at the end of the year, based on a combination of performance to date and what we expect to happen in the final two months of the season. Though he’s currently on the injured list with back spasms, Rogers appears to have a formidable lead in the National League. García has gone just 4-for-35 since doubling off Craig Kimbrel in the All-Star Game, yet still leads all rookies in slugging (.486), homers (22), total bases (168) and RBIs (62).
1. Trevor Rogers, LHP, Marlins
Previous RPR: 1
Rogers was scheduled to throw a bullpen session Wednesday and should come off the injured list next week. He has surrendered more than two earned runs in just two of his 19 starts and tops the rookie leaderboards in wins (seven), ERA (2.37), opponent average (.203) and strikeouts (125).
2. Adolis García, OF, Rangers
Previous RPR: 2
Though he has slumped in July, García still is an improbable success story after being designated for assignment and outrighted in February. He offers power to all fields, plus speed and quality defense, but he may need to tighten his plate discipline (111 strikeouts, 19 walks) to get back on track.
3. Luis Garcia, RHP, Astros
Previous RPR: 4
One Garcia is closing the gap on another in the AL race. Luis (no relation to Adolis) leads all rookies in strikeout rate (10.7 per nine innings) and WHIP (.208), and AL rookies in wins (seven), ERA (3.19) and whiffs (114). Though he gave up a season-high six runs in his last start on Monday, his preceding outing was his best of the year, six shutout frames against Cleveland.
4. Dylan Carlson, OF, Cardinals
Previous RPR: unranked
In what hasn’t been a banner year for rookie position players in the NL, Carlson has batted .253/.336/.408 with 10 homers in 99 games — and he has the hitting ability and power to improve those numbers in the second half. He may be starting to heat up with three homers in his last eight games.
5. Randy Arozarena, OF, Rays
Previous RPR: 5
Arozarena hasn’t been as spectacular as he was last October, when he obliterated the postseason rookie home run record with 10, but he has hit .257/.332/.424 with 13 blasts and 11 steals in 92 games. And he has been on a tear since the All-Star break with three homers and a .940 OPS in 10 contests.
6. Andrew Vaughn, OF, White Sox
Previous RPR: unranked
The No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 Draft, Vaughn became the regular left fielder for the first-place White Sox with just 56 games of Minor League experience and no previous pro or college time in the outfield. He’s enjoying his best month in the big leagues so far with an .894 OPS and four homers in 22 July games and is now batting .258/.317/.452 overall with 11 homers in 87 contests.
7. Emmanuel Clase, RHP, Indians
Previous RPR: 9
The rookie saves leader with 12, Clase blew three straight leads earlier this month but has bounced back with four consecutive scoreless outings, allowing just one baserunner while earning three holds and a save. The owner of an electric fastball that averages 100 mph and may be more impressive for its life than its velocity, he sports a 1.98 ERA with 44 strikeouts in 41 innings.
8. Ian Anderson, RHP, Braves
Previous RPR: 6
Anderson hasn’t pitched since July 11 and went on the injured list five days later with shoulder inflammation, but he’s on course to return in early August. He has been one of the best starters among rookies and in Atlanta’s rotation when healthy, recording a 3.56 ERA with 98 strikeouts in 96 innings.
9. Casey Mize, RHP, Tigers
Previous RPR: 3
Mize went 14 consecutive starts without yielding more than three earned runs, logging a 2.97 ERA during that span before the streak ended Saturday against the Royals. The No. 1 overall selection in the 2019 Draft has a 3.63 overall ERA with an 85/28 K/BB ratio in 104 innings.
10. Jonathan India, 2B, Reds
Previous RPR: 8
After batting .254/.369/.410 in two Minor League seasons, the No. 5 overall choice in the 2018 Draft has batted .278/.402/.418 with eight homers in his first 90 big league games. India has gotten better each month, has posted a .966 OPS thus far in July and ranks fourth among all Major Leaguers in on-base percentage.
Also receiving votes: Ke’Bryan Hayes, 3B, Pirates (Previous RPR: 7).
Dropped out: Jazz Chisholm, 2B/SS, Marlins (Previous RPR: 10).