4 American League rookies who could make big impact in 2024

For a prospect to have an impact on his team, they need talent and opportunity. Many of the top prospects going into the 2024 season are on the younger side or are blocked, at least for now, by players on the major-league roster. 

For example, Jackson Holliday is ranked as the No. 1 prospect by MLB.com, but is only 20 years old and might need a bit more time in the minors. The Orioles are in a position where they can be patient with their young star. Others such as Curtis Mead, Colton Cowser, Colson Montgomery, Junior Caminero, and Wyatt Langford may need to wait for injuries or poor performance by those ahead of them to get a shot. Most of these players will probably get the call to the majors sometime during 2024, but they don't have an immediate clear path. 

There are, however, a few prospects who should have the opportunity to contribute right away, barring injuries or bad springs. Here are four players who could have a big impact in 2024.

No. 4: Brayan Rocchio, SS

The Tigers have a lot of talented youth on their roster, but no one seems to blocking Rocchio from an opportunity to break camp as the starting shortstop. He received 81 at-bats last season, but posted a bleak on-base Percentage of .279. This is a far different OBP than what he produced in the minors, which was a healthy .349. If he can show better patience, then his natural hitting ability should shine through. He could hit for a decent average with maybe 15 to 20 home runs. If he does these things, he will provide a nice bat in the bottom third of the order for the Tigers. 

No. 3: Nolan Schanuel, 1B

The Angels selected Schanuel 11th overall last summer, and he shot through the minors like a comet. He received just 74 at-bats over three levels.  He just mashed in that tiny sample size, slashing .365/.505/.486/.991 and earning himself a quick look at the major-league level. In 109 at-bats with the Angels, he slashed an acceptable .275/.402/.330/.732. While he showed very little power as a pro, at any level, he did produce some pop in college, where he hit 35 home runs over his last seasons and had a .698 slugging percentage for his career. The Angels seemed to content to give him first base and probably hope his power comes around. If it does, he could be a prime candidate for Rookie of the Year.

No. 2: Colt Keith, 2B

The Tigers made big news a few weeks ago when they signed Keith to a six-year, $28.6 million deal before he's seen even one MLB at-bat. Teams, especially frugal ones like Detroit, seldom hand out that kind of deal to a prospect, indicating they think Keith is ready and will be an impact player for them. He saw over 500 at-bats last year in the minors, slashing an impressive .306/.380/.512/.894. Keith will have every opportunity to win the second base job in spring training and should be a fixture for years to come in the Detroit batting order. 

No 1: Evan Carter, OF

Carter broke into the majors late last season and performed like a veteran. He was terrific down the stretch, with an eye-popping slash of .306/.413/.645/1.058 with five homers in just 62 at-bats. As outstanding as those numbers were, he was nearly as good in 60 postseason at-bats. While he is due for some massive regression, due to his otherworldly .412 batting average on balls in play, he's been very good over the last two seasons in the minors. On a roster loaded with hitting stars, Carter won't have to carry the load, but he could emerge as an everyday player capable of putting up big numbers.