MLB's rookie class is making an impressive impact in early season games

PHOENIX (AP) — 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 hair under my armpits, and this guy's in a big-league baseball game. It's impressive.”

Griffin — who just turned 20 a few weeks ago — is part of an MLB rookie class that's made an instant impact as the calendar turns to May. He's batting .256 with two homers, 16 RBIs and is 8 for 8 on stolen bases, all while playing shortstop at a high level for a Pirates team that has a 21-17 record.

No wonder the Pirates were comfortable handing him a $140 million, nine-year deal in April.

Lovullo has been the manager of the D-backs for 10 seasons and said he's noticed a huge difference in the readiness of young players when they get to the big leagues.

The data backs that up, too. As measured by Wins Above Replacement, three of the five most productive classes of rookie hitters since 1950 graduated in the past four years, in 2023 (67.5 WAR), 2022 (53.7) and 2024 (49). Through Thursday's games, this year's class is on pace for 47, which would rank fifth.

Even the 2025 class, which wasn't as deep, featured examples of players ready to make an unusually fast impact. Nick Kurtz got just 210 at-bats in the minor leagues before joining the Athletics, then batted .290 with 36 homers and 86 RBIs over 117 games to win American League Rookie of the Year in 2025.

“Everything is fast-forwarded now, everything's on speed dial, everything happens really quick,” Lovullo said. “These kids are developing. It's the same message I send to our group about player development. We aren't going to be the L.A. Dodgers or the Padres. Spots won't be filled by Player ‘X’ coming off of free agency. Spots will be filled by someone in this clubhouse."

Here's a look at some of the other top rookies in the big leagues through the season's first 1 1/2 months:

The 21-year-old made the big-league club with a strong spring performance and continues to impress, batting .299 with two homers, 16 RBIs and an .845 OPS while splitting time between shortstop and third baseman. He's been arguably the best player on a Tigers' team that's otherwise underachieved so far this year. That's exactly why the franchise was comfortable signing him to a $150 million, eight-year deal in April.

Another highly-regarded prospect who was the No. 7 overall pick in 2024 out of West Virginia, Wetherholt has popped seven homers for a Cardinals team that's been a pleasant surprise in the NL Central. He looks like a mainstay in St. Louis for years to come.

DeLauter actually made his MLB debut last season when he became one of the few players in big league history to get his first call-up in the playoffs. So far this spring, he's showed why the Guardians had enough confidence to bring him up for those pressure-packed games, batting .306 with six homers and 23 RBIs.

The veteran Japanese slugger has made an instant impact in the big leagues, crushing 14 homers in just 37 games. He needs to cut down on the strikeouts and may never consistently hit for high average, but there's no doubt the power is legit and he's still just 26 years old.

The 29-year-old is older than all of the other players on this list and had a slow start while making the transition from Japan. But he's picked up the pace over the past few weeks and is batting .246 with 10 homers and 23 RBIs.

The 22-year-old made a good impression during a short stint last season and has continued to hit in the big leagues so far this spring. Playing mostly first base, he's batting .245 with 10 homers and 30 RBIs.

The Mets have been one of the biggest disappointments in the big leagues, but McLean has been one of few bright spots. He dazzled in an eight-start cameo last season and has pitched well so far in 2026. The 24-year-old has a 2.97 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 39 1/3 innings through seven starts.

The Florida State product has been one of the best pitchers in the American League this season with a 3-1 record and a 2.40 ERA through seven starts. The left hander is a big reason the Guardians are currently at the top of the AL Central.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB

Cincinnati Reds' Sal Stewart hits a single during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs in Chicago, Monday, May 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean throws to the plate during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

St. Louis Cardinals' JJ Wetherholt follows through on an RBI single during the second inning of a baseball game against Milwaukee Brewers Monday, May 4, 2026, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Detroit Tigers' Kevin McGonigle runs the bases after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati, Saturday, April 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Ben Jackson)

Pittsburgh Pirates' Konnor Griffin is greeted by his teammates after scoring on a single by Oneil Cruz against the Cincinnati Reds in the fourth inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Saturday, May 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Tom E. Puskar)

Notable reaction to the death of former Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox:

“We are overcome with emotion on the passing of Bobby Cox, our treasured skipper. Bobby was the best manager to ever wear a Braves uniform. He led our team to 14 straight division titles, five National League pennants, and the unforgettable World Series title in 1995. His Braves managerial legacy will never be matched.” — The Atlanta Braves

“I never wanted to go anywhere else; I wanted to play for Bobby.” — Hall of Fame pitcher and current Fox analyst John Smoltz

“I remember ’99 when we lost the World Series to the Yankees. I mean, to a man, everybody in the room felt like we let Bobby down. That’s how we felt. And that’s powerful, you know, and that doesn’t just happen in professional sports. But that just goes to show how guys felt about Bobby. We, to a man, we felt like we let him down.” — Braves manager Walt Weiss

“My favorite memory of Bobby is 2017 spring training. Charlie was 6 months old. … To see Hall of Famer Bobby Cox, the joy on his face when he saw my 6-month-old son, that’s stuff I will never forget. Him and Pam just, like, loving on Charlie while he was in the stroller, those are the fond memories I have.” — Former Braves and current Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman

“Skip — thank you for helping shape me as a coach and as an MLB manager. Your guidance and belief in me will always mean a lot. Thank you for the time You took in helping me make my transition from player to coach. And I ended up loving cigars after all (smiley face emoji). Much respect always.” — Ozzie Guillen, who played two seasons with Atlanta and won a World Series title managing the White Sox in 2005, on X

“Bobby Cox led one of the greatest eras of sustained excellence in baseball history. As manager of the Braves, his clubs became an October fixture, representing consistency, professionalism, and championship-caliber baseball for an entire generation of fans. Through his leadership, eye for talent, and commitment to player development, Bobby helped shape the careers of numerous Hall of Famers and guided the Braves to Atlanta’s first major professional sports championship in 1995.

“On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Bobby’s family, the Braves organization, the many players and coaches whose lives he impacted throughout his 29-year managerial career, and Braves fans everywhere.” — MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred

“We are saddened to learn about the passing of former Blue Jays Manager Bobby Cox. Before tonight’s game, we held a moment of silence to remember one of the game’s greats. Bobby managed us to our first division title in 1985, also winning Manager of the Year that year. Our thoughts are with his family and the Braves organization.” — The Toronto Blue Jays on X

“The Yankees join the baseball community in mourning the loss of Hall of Famer Bobby Cox. We offer our deepest condolences to Bobby’s family, friends and loved ones.” — The New York Yankees on X

“Over 29 seasons as a big league manager, Bobby Cox earned loyalty and respect from his players with his steady hand and passionate heart.” — National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

“Thank you for everything you meant to Atlanta, Skip.” — The Atlanta Falcons on X

“Atlanta has lost a true icon in Bobby Cox. His leadership helped define one of the most successful eras not only for the Atlanta Braves, but for the city's sports identity. Known for guiding the club through a historic run that included a World Series title and sustained excellence, his influence will be felt for generations. Our thoughts are with his family and with the entire baseball community as we remember a figure who meant so much to the City of Atlanta.” — Atlanta United FC on X

“Georgia and Braves Country have lost a true legend today with the passing of Bobby Cox. Shepherding the Braves for over 20 years, he led the franchise to 14 straight division crowns and a World Series title during his second stint, solidifying him in the hearts of generations of fans as the beloved manager we will all remember.” — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on X

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB

FILE - Former Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox, left, looks on with Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez, before a spring training baseball game against the Florida Marlins on March 23, 2011 in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)

FILE - Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox signs autographs for fans prior to the start of the spring training game with the New York Mets on March 27, 2003 at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Tony Ranze, File)

FILE - Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox smiles while smoking a cigar in the dugout with his coaching staff before the start of workouts Feb. 22, 2004, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette, File)

FILE - Former Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox is honored during a ceremony before a baseball game between the Braves and the San Diego Padres in Atlanta, April 14, 2017. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)