Even though the shortened 2020 MLB season was far from normal, the teams still tried to give their top-ranked prospects some Big League action to get them ready for what's to come. Hopefully, that trend will keep on this season.
Baseball, unlike other sports, helps their youngsters maintain their rookie eligibility even if they already made an appearance in the Big Leagues. That's why some of the guys we're about to mention here have already made their debut.
In the next couple of paragraphs, we'll talk about the top 10 rookies and prospects every baseball fan and fantasy enthusiast should keep an eye on throughout the 2021 season, as they're ready to make an impact right away.
The Top 10 Rookies To Watch In MLB In 2021
Honorable Mentions:
10. Nate Pearson - RHP, Toronto Blue Jays
9. Nick Madrigal - 2B, Chicago White Sox
8. Michael Kopech - RHP, Chicago White Sox
7. MacKenzie Gore - LHP, San Diego Padres
6. Marco Luciano - SS, San Francisco Giants
5. Sixto Sanchez - LHP, Miami Marlins
4. Jared Kelenic - OF, Seattle Mariners
The Podium
3. Julio Rodriguez - OF, Seattle Mariners
Julio Rodriguez had some physical struggles early on in his career but he's been a part of the Seattle Mariners organization for 4 years now. He showed glimpses of great raw power in 2019 with the team's Minor League affiliates.
Rodriguez is still a work in progress and will strike out every now and then out of pure pitch-chasing. Then again, he has the physical tools to become a dominant slugger as soon as he finds his groove.
2. Adley Rutschman - C, Baltimore Orioles
Adley Rutschman doesn't get enough recognition right now but this guy was the first-overall pick of the 2019 MLB draft for a reason. He's got all the intangibles - and tangibles - to become a perennial All-Star catcher.
Throughout his young career, Rutschman has proven to be a great defender with a strong arm. He's also a switch hitter with a great feel for contact and can hit to the opposite field and a pretty well-round-up prospect.
1. Wander Franco - SS, Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays were pretty close to finally putting an end to their World Series drought last season but, besides some questionable coaching decisions, they also lacked power and timely hitting.
That's when Wander Franco could've been useful. He's an elite offensive prospect who can hit for average or power and whose switch-hitting ability makes him one of the most hyped prospects of the decade. There will be some issues as a defender, but he should be unleashed right away.
