Five MLB rookies off to hot starts this season

Munetaka Murakami: Chicago White Sox 

Munetaka Murakami has been a standout rookie for the Chicago White Sox, who had a strong performance in April. In the American League, he's tied for first in home runs with 12, third in walks with 25, and second in strikeouts with 46. 

The Japanese sensation is a cornerstone power hitter who owns a 18.4% walk-rate (96th percentile) and a 21.5% chase rate (87th percentile). This illustrates his solid plate discipline and strike zone awareness. 

While his batting average is only .236, he has an encompassing .939 OPS. He also held a streak of hitting a home run in five straight games (April 18-22). 

He made history by tying the MLB rookie record for consecutive games with going yard, as well as the White Sox club record.

Sal Stewart: Cincinnati Reds 

Cincinnati Reds' primary first baseman, Sal Stewart, has been a significant run producer early this season, ranking first in RBI with 29. 

In the opening weekend of MLB, he sported a .769 on-base percentage, including going yard nine times across his first 29 games. 

The 22-year-old is undeniably one of the best first basemen in MLB and fantasy baseball. As a high-OPS threat, he's compiled a .943 OPS that ranks eighth in the league. 

Kevin McGonigle: Detroit Tigers 

The 21-year-old Detroit Tigers shortstop, Kevin McGonigle, is having a dominant rookie season. 

Among shortstops, he ranks first with a .333 batting average, first with a .938 OPS, first in hits with 38, first in doubles with 11, first with a .420 OBP, and third with 22 runs scored. 

His dominance can also be highlighted through his top-tier discipline and contact, where he owns 12% whiff rate (98th percentile) and a strikeout rate of 12.5% (90th percentile).

JJ Wetherholt: St. Louis Cardinals

The 23-year-old primary second baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals, JJ Wetherholt, started his rookie season on a high note with a walk-off single and a 425-foot bomb. 

He has seven home runs on the season, including four stolen bases, and is slugging .479. He's also demonstrated how he's capable of generating power against elite pitching. He went yard against Paul Skenes on April 30th, and he reached high exit velocities of 107.7 mph. 

But aside from his offense, his fielding ranks him in the 97th percentile with a 4 (Outs Above Average) OAA. 

Chase DeLauter: Cleveland Guardians 

Cleveland Guardians 24-year-old outfielder Chase DeLauter has showcased reliable offense as one of the best rookies in MLB. 

On April 29, he sported a .320 batting average (8-for-25) across seven games. He's recorded a 32.1 % squared-up rate (89th percentile) and a strikeout rate of 11.2% (96th percentile). His low strikeout rate demonstrates his premier plate discipline. 

Despite not consistently hitting home runs, he displayed instant dominance with the long ball early in the season (5 home runs). But his reliable contact has made him a promising MLB rookie this season.