A Look at the 2024 MLB Rookie of the Year Finalists

There have been plenty of standout rookie performances in the 2024 MLB season, but as the dust settles, only one player from each league will capture the coveted Rookie of the Year Award. In the American League, the spotlight shines on an AL East trident, featuring Colton Cowser of the Orioles, alongside Yankees standouts Luis Gil and Austin Wells.

Meanwhile, the National League has seen its own fierce competition with Paul Skenes from the Pirates emerging early on, while the two Jacksons — Merrill from the Padres and Chourio from the Brewers — delivered stellar performances as the season progressed.

Join us for an in-depth look at these six remarkable Rookie of the Year candidates ahead of the awards announcement, with MLB Network’s ceremony scheduled for Monday at 6 p.m. ET.

American League

Colton Cowser, OF, Orioles

Colton Cowser’s rookie season was nothing short of a revelation. After failing to hit a home run during his initial stint in the big leagues in 2023, Cowser turned things around in a major way in 2024. Leading the power charge among rookies, he smashed 24 home runs, tying with Merrill for most among rookie sluggers, and leaving the rest of the AL rookies trailing by a significant margin.

Cowser’s impact wasn’t limited to just power. The multifaceted outfielder racked up 24 doubles and three triples, ranking impressively in the rookie charts, while totaling 69 RBIs and leading the pack with 77 runs scored. His offensive prowess culminated in a .768 OPS, placing him third among his rookie peers in the American League.

Defensively, Cowser was a Gold Glove finalist in left field, continuing his remarkable play as a reliable presence in all outfield positions before settling in as the Orioles’ everyday left fielder. With eight Outs Above Average, he ranked second among MLB left fielders, living up to his billing as an all-around player.

With an fWAR of 4.0 — the highest among AL rookies — Cowser made his case as a top contender, drawing praise even from O’s manager Brandon Hyde for a stellar season reminiscent of Gunnar Henderson’s award-winning year in 2023. Baltimore stands poised for a first in club history, potentially seeing back-to-back Rookie of the Year honors.

Luis Gil, RHP, Yankees

Luis Gil’s season was a revelation in the Yankees’ rotation, especially during a period when ace Gerrit Cole was sidelined. Showcasing the makings of a future frontline starter, Gil put together a 15-7 record with a steady 3.50 ERA over 29 starts. The 26-year-old righty was a dominant force, racking up 171 strikeouts over 151 2/3 innings while holding opposing hitters to a stingy .189 batting average.

Gil topped the AL in opponent batting average while ranking second in fewest hits allowed per nine innings. His strikeout prowess placed him fourth in the AL with a K/9 of 10.15, highlighting his effectiveness at the mound. Among AL rookies, Gil not only led in wins but also tied for the most rookie strikeouts, underscoring his position as a formidable competitor for the honor.

Austin Wells, C, Yankees

The journey to becoming the starting catcher for the Yankees is no small feat, yet Austin Wells took on the challenge with ease and promise. In a pivotal role behind the plate, Wells delivered a solid .229/.322/.395 slash line, tallying 42 runs, 18 doubles, 13 homers, and 55 RBIs over 115 games. His patience at the plate was notable, evidenced by 47 walks.

Amongst his rookie peers, Wells stood out in critical categories, ranking fourth in game-winning RBIs, and placing in the top five for on-base percentage, slugging, and OPS. His growing confidence and clutch performances placed him firmly in the conversation for rookie honors.

National League

Jackson Chourio, OF, Brewers

Jackson Chourio’s season was a testament to resilience and growth. After a slow start that had many doubting, Chourio responded with a historic stretch, securing a .305/.360/.527 slash line from June onward. With 16 of his 21 home runs and 15 of his 22 steals during this period, the young phenom demonstrated unmatched potential, including a jaw-dropping feat of calling a grand slam and entering the 20-20 club at just 20 years old.

Chourio’s late-season heroics played a pivotal role in securing the Brewers’ postseason berth, his triple and run the highlights of their clinching victory. With veteran support and clubhouse camaraderie, his season leaves no doubt about his superstar trajectory.

Jackson Merrill, CF, Padres

Jackson Merrill’s rookie campaign for the Padres came as a delightful surprise, matching the high expectations set for NL contender Skenes. Over 156 games, Merrill’s balanced attack led all rookies in fWAR, hits, extra-base hits, RBIs, batting average, and slugging percentage. His clutch performances in late innings not only sparked the Padres’ playoff push but set an MLB rookie benchmark for drama and impact.

Merrill’s athletic transition to center field showcased his defensive prowess, crafting 12 Outs Above Average, and his leadership presence further endeared him to teammates and fans alike. Not since 1987’s Benito Santiago have the Padres had a rookie season of such caliber.

Paul Skenes, RHP, Pirates

Since his arrival, Paul Skenes has captured the imagination of Pirates fans and beyond with his electrifying performances. Despite starting his rookie campaign late due to a stint in the minors, Skenes’ numbers are the stuff of legend, setting an ERA benchmark of 1.96 over 23 starts, the lowest ever for a rookie in the Live Ball Era. His 170 strikeouts set a franchise record for newcomers, inviting further accolades.

His pitch mastery transcended the Rookie of the Year race, placing him squarely in Cy Young conversations, enhancing the Pirates’ successes throughout the season. These monumental performances placed Skenes as appointment TV, eagerly anticipated by fans from all corners.

As we anticipate the announcement of the 2024 Rookie of the Year winners, each of these six candidates has left an indelible mark in their inaugural seasons, setting the stage for what promises to be a promising and dynamic future in Major League Baseball.