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A look at the MLB debuts in 2017

By Benjamin Chase

May 6, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) follows through during the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) follows through during the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

After the debut of another MLB prospect in Anthony Alford over the weekend, let’s take a look at the debuts in the 2017 season.

At roughly the quarter-mark of the MLB season, there have been 69 players make their MLB debut. For comparables, in 2016, there were 257 players who made their debut, which would be roughly 64 players in 1/4 of the season. In 2015, there were 255 players, and in 2014, there were 234 debuts.

Only going back through the 2000s, 2016 was the high point in debuts with 2013 having the least at 133. The average season in that time has roughly 200 debuts, so 2017 certainly is on pace to set the mark for this millennium.

Let’s take a look at some of the guys who have made their debut this season…

Cody Bellinger, 1B/OF, Los Angeles Dodgers

Called up to fill an injury spot for the Dodgers roster after playing very well, Bellinger has been the highest-rated prospect, via preseason top prospect lists, to make his MLB debut in 2017.

Bellinger was profiled after he debuted on CTTP, and his role has expanded even further since his debut as Adrian Gonzalez has been injured, allowing Bellinger to stay up with the big league club when outfielders that he was initially replacing returned to the Dodger lineup.

Thus far, Bellinger is the best performing hitter to debut this season as well, hitting .300/.370/.678 entering Sunday’s action with 9 home runs. He’s not been overwhelmed with MLB pitching either, posting a 10% walk rate and 26% strikeout rate, both very respectable numbers for a power hitter.

Just 21 until July, Bellinger is likely to continue to display excellent power, even as the league adjusts to him, though the .300 average may not be something he does keep all season.

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