The All-Star break is two weeks away, but the midpoint of the season has already passed. To mark the occasion, here's a look at the top rookies by position (stats through July 1).
Gattis quickly became a fan favorite in Atlanta after delivering five game-winning RBI in April. His playing time diminished when Brian McCann returned in May, but Gattis has been a lethal weapon off the bench (6 for 8 with four homers, a double, 11 RBI and two walks as a pinch-hitter). Gattis has been on the DL with a strained oblique for two weeks, but he still leads all rookies in home runs (14) and RBI (37).
Highlight of the first half: On May 18, Gattis entered a 1-1 game in the eighth inning with Dodgers reliever Kenley Jansen on the mound. Gattis fouled off three consecutive two-strike pitches before lining the eighth pitch of the at-bat into the left-field seats.
With nothing left to prove in the minors, Adams has been a contributor in a part-time role. He's started 19 games and appeared in 24 more as a pinch-hitter with good results in both roles. Among rookies with at least 100 plate appearances, Adams ranks third with a .933 OPS.
Highlight of the first half: On June 29, Adams hit a three-run homer to highlight a four-run sixth and a solo shot in the eighth as the Cards blasted the A's 7-1.
Gyorko struggled at the plate in April while playing third base. Once Chase Headley returned, Gyorko moved over to second base and didn't stop hitting until he landed on the DL with a groin injury. Gyorko last played June 9, but he still leads all rookies in hits (66) and total bases (107).
Highlight of the first half: Homerless in April, Gyorko finished May with six homers, tying a franchise rookie record for homers in a month.
Considered the Rockies’ best position player prospect since Troy Tulowitzki, Arenado has been streaky at the plate and spectacular in the field since his April 28 call-up. Among third basemen, he leads the majors in Range Factor.
Highlight of the first half: On June 7, Arenado made three spectacular defensive plays and then hit a walk-off homer to beat the Padres 10-9.
Called up on April 16, Gregorius was touted a slick-fielding shortstop with limited offensive skills. He changed that perception by hitting .407 in April with a 10-game hitting streak. Then he hit .293 in May with 10 RBI. His defense, as advertised, is outstanding.
Highlight of the first half: Tough call. Gregorius has won a few games with his bat, but what makes him special is his ability to make the tough grounder look like a routine play.
The only American Leaguer on this roster, Arcia has been impressive at the plate since being called up for the second time on June 10 (.324 with two homers, five doubles and 11 RBI). Among rookies with at least 150 plate appearances, Arcia ranks second only to Gattis with an .810 OPS.
Highlight of the first half: On May 9, Arcia celebrated his 22nd birthday at Fenway Park with an RBI triple and a two-run homer that helped the Twins beat the Red Sox 5-3.
Ozuna isn’t putting up the power numbers yet, but he's delivering big hits with regularity. With runners in scoring position, Ozuna is 23 for 56 (.411) with 24 RBI. He also leads all rookies in game-winning RBI (seven) and outfield assists (five).
Highlight of the first half: On June 2, Ozuna had three hits, including a two-run triple off Matt Harvey that helped the Marlins beat the Mets 11-6.
Called up on June 3, Puig has electrified the Dodgers and the baseball world with an almost unprecedented four-week stretch of awesomeness. He's one of two players with at least 40 hits and four home runs in his first month in the majors. The other guy? Joe DiMaggio.
Highlight of the first half: The fact that there's a debate that he belongs in the All-Star Game after playing just 26 games.
After a win on June 1, Miller was 6-3 with a 1.82 ERA. Five starts and 15 earned runs later, Miller is no longer the obvious front-runner in the NL Rookie of the Year race. Miller pinned his recent troubles mostly on fastball command, which has contributed to some high pitch counts.
Highlight of the first half: On May 10, Miller allowed a leadoff single and then retired the next 27 batters, including 13 strikeouts, as the Cardinals beat the Rockies 3-0.
Henderson converted all nine save chances and compiled a 0.92 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 19 2/3 innings before a trip to the DL in late May. He was activated three weeks ago, but Francisco Rodriguez continues to be the primary ninth-inning guy — at least until the trade deadline.
Highlight of the first half: Breaking camp with the Brewers after toiling in the minors for 10 years.
