MLB Rookie Class Is Making an Impressive Impact in Early Season Games
Griffin is batting .256 with 2 homers, 16 RBIs and 8 steals as rookies across MLB post a rare early surge, analysts said.
- On Tuesday, Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin, 20, ripped a 110.1 mph double off the center-field wall at Chase Field against the Arizona Diamondbacks, exemplifying the immediate impact he has made since joining the majors.
- This year's rookie class is on pace for 47 Wins Above Replacement, ranking fifth since 1950, as recent cohorts including the 2025 group have featured players unusually prepared for immediate major league impact.
- Other top rookies have also excelled: Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murikami crushed 14 homers in 37 games, while Detroit Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle is batting.299 with 16 RBIs through the season's first 1 1/2 months.
- D-Backs manager Torey Lovullo, who has led Arizona for 10 seasons, noted the shift: "Everything is fast-forwarded now, everything's on speed dial, everything happens really quick," observing that roster spots are now filled by internal talent rather than free agency.
- The Pirates signed Griffin to a $140 million, nine-year deal in April, signaling confidence in his long-term value as the team maintains a 21-17 record and builds around its young core.
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Associated Press News
MLB's rookie class is making an impressive impact in early season games
Major League Baseball's rookie class looks like it might be a special one. A group of talented young hitters led by Konnor Griffin, Kevin McGonigle and JJ Wetherholt have played well through the season's first 1 1/2 months.
MLB’s rookie class is making an impressive impact in early season games
PHOENIX — Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Konnor Griffin stepped to the plate on Tuesday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks and ripped a 110.1 mph laser high off the center-field wall at Chase Field, cruising into second base for a double. D-backs manager Torey Lovullo’s jaw dropped almost to the dugout floor. “Twenty years old and driving the ball off the center field wall,” Lovullo said. “Let’s go back to being 20 years old. I was just getting h…
MLB rookie class making an impact
Major League Baseball's rookie class looks like it might be a special one. A group of talented young hitters led by Konnor Griffin, Kevin McGonigle and JJ Wetherholt have played well through the season's first 1 1/2 months. Most of…
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