American League Rookie of the Year
1. Josh Jung
2023 stats: 88 G, .280/.331/.504 (130 wRC+), 1 DRS, 5 OAA, -2.0 BsR, 2.8 fWAR
Josh Jung became the Texas Rangers’ first-ever rookie to start in the All Star Game, and for good reason. After struggling in his first stint in the majors last year, the rookie’s 130 wRC+ is the third-best among qualified third basemen while his 5 OAA is tied for second in the AL.
Although he struggled in June, Jung bounced back nicely before the All-Star break. With a strong second half, Jung will likely become the first Ranger to win Rookie of the Year since Neftali Feliz did so in 2010.
2. Masataka Yoshida
2023 stats: 78 G, .316/.382/.492 (138 wRC+), -5 DRS, -4 OAA, -2.5 BsR, 1.7 fWAR
Despite having many doubters when he signed with the Red Sox in the offseason, Mastaka Yoshida has been one of the best hitters in the AL in his rookie year. Yoshida’s 139 wRC+ is the sixth-best while his 3.17 AVG is the third-best among all qualified hitters in the AL.
Although he’s been spectacular at the plate, Yoshida has been a negative on the bases and field, which may result in him getting more starts as the DH now that Adam Duvall is fully healthy. While Yoshida has been an amazing pick-up for the Red Sox, it may be hard for him to compete with Jung for Rookie of the Year because the big defensive discrepancy between the two doesn’t make up for Yoshida’s offensive advantage.
3. Gunnar Henderson
2023 stats: 79 G, .246/.342/.455 (122 wRC+), 2 DRS, -1 OAA, 1.1 BsR, 1.9 fWAR
Entering the season, Gunnar Henderson was the consensus top prospect in MLB and was seen by many as the favorite to win Rookie of the Year. Despite a great first impression in the majors last year, Henderson got off to a slow start to 2023, hitting .201/.332/.370 (99 wRC+) through the end of May.
Since June, though, Henderson has been one of the best players in MLB and by wRC+ has since moved from 1% below league average to 22% above league average offensively. With Jorge Mateo struggling, Henderson should see more opportunities at shortstop, where he plays best defensively.
Although his slow start might hold him back, there’s a real possibility Henderson could catch Jung and steal the Rookie of the Year with a big second half.
Honorable mentions: Hunter Brown, Yennier Cano