(For extended coverage, check out our SCORES section


HARDBALL 24/7
Reliving The Highlights
Latest Moves Throughout The Off-Season
RETURNING IN APRIL
THE POWER
RANKINGS
In The Show
Rookie Class Presented Surprise And Intrigue
Every year, each crop of rookies present something unique each season. This class is of no exception.
This class showed surprise and suspense as the season unraveled towards the very end. On was obvious to happen to be a superstar in the making. All the other standouts were literally surprises; there were two that were imports (Maeda, Diaz) that showed they belong in the league
The Dodgers Corey Seager developed the way that was expected of the athletic shortstop leading to NL ROY honors. However, he was challenged by surprising Rockies shortstop Trevor Story, who set home run records before an injury sidelined him for the rest of the season. After that, it was fairly obvious of the winner.
The other league presented rookies that were not even ranked in our annual TOP 50 prospects list.
The Tigers knew who they were getting in Michael Fulmer when he was acquired from the Mets a couple of seasons ago; he had lights out stuff. It was smooth sailing until Yankees AFL sensation, catcher Gary Sanchez, arrived on the scene; he blasted 20 home runs in 53 games in his very young career. A debate brewed to see who merit the AL ROY award. In the end, it was the Tigers Fulmer.
Two particular rookies came to the scene unheralded and took advantage of opportunities.


TOP PROSPECTS LIST
NEW DEBUTS
P Lucas Giolito (Nationals)
P Julio Urias (Dodgers)
3B Yoan Moncada (Red Sox)
SS Orlando Arcia (Brewers)
P Alex Reyes (Cardinals)
SP Tyler Glasnow (Pirates)
OF Nomar Mazara (Rangers)
P Blake Snell (Rays)
SS Dansby Swanson (Braves)
P Jose Berrios (Twins)
P Jose De Leon (Dodgers)
OF Andrew Benintendi (Red Sox)
P Robert Stephenson (Reds)
P Jon Gray (Rockies)
3B/SS Alex Bregman (Astros)
1B A.J. Reed (Astros)
SS Tim Anderson (White Sox)
OF Manuel Margot (Padres)
OF David Dahl (Rockies)
OF Aaron Judge (Yankees)
1B/OF Josh Bell (Pirates)
C Willson Contreras (Cubs)
P Carson Fulmer (White Sox)
Indians outfielder Tyler Naquin blossomed out of Spring Training and proved that he belongs in the bigs. Mariners pitcher Edwin Diaz showed close out stuff; he became the team's closer during the second-half of the season.
Late in the season
we saw the debuts of 2015 Top 10 Draft Picks of Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi, Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson, and Astros third base/shortstop Alex Bregman. The much anticipated, Yoan Moncada, got a taste of the majors when the rosters expanded to 40. All are expected to make noise during the '17 campaign.






TOP 10 DRAFT PICKS
UNDER OUR ALL-STAR COVERAGE
Coverage, including the rosters for the U.S. and World teams.
1. OF Mickey Moniak (PHILLIES)
2. 3B Nick Senzel (REDS)
3. P Ian Anderson (BRAVES)
4. P Riley Pint (ROCKIES)
5. OF Corey Ray (BREWERS)
6. P A.J. Puk (A'S)
7. P Braxton Garrett
(MARLINS)
8. P Cal Quantrill (PADRES)
9. P Matt Manning (TIGERS)
10. C Zack Collins
(WHITE SOX)
RULE 5 DRAFT IMPACT
This class was highlighted by Blue Jays pitcher Joseph Biagini. Other notables include Cardinals pitcher Matthew Bowman and Orioles outfielder Josh Rickard.

Phillies: OF Tyler Goeddel (Rays)
Padres:
P Luis Perdomo (Cardinals)
Orioles: OF Josh Rickard (Rays)
Blue Jays: P Joseph Biagini (Giants)
Cardinals: P Matthew Bowman (Mets)