Those who step up from the minor leagues into the MLB are endowed with the intimidating task of building their professional resumes from scratch, and can either standout in the process or fail to impress.The 2021 MLB season is now well underway, with the opening day kicking off back on April 1st. Now, over one month in, new recruits are beginning to shine, showing both fans and their own management staff all they are worth.
Here are a few players from different teams and positions who have been hot on the field as of late and continue to adjust well to the big-time league.
Yermín Mercedes, White Sox
If there is anything that this new set of baseball matchups has taught us, it’s that Yermín Mercedes is clearly a knockout slugger. The designated hitter became the first player in the franchise’s history to make five hits in their starting major league game.
Since then, he has rightfully been named both Player of the Week and April's Rookie of the Month for his record-breaking performances. The Dominican-born athlete previously played as catcher but has stepped nicely into his new role, and it’s clear the Sox think so too, utilizing his talent as a major catapult for success.
Zach McKinstry, Dodgers
Next up is Zach McKinstry, who joined the roster of the reigning World Series champ’s last fall as a pinch hitter and infielder. However, number 15’s biggest asset seems to be his hitting abilities. The rookie boasts a stellar slugging average in the short time he has been in the majors.
Unfortunately, following an oblique injury during training, the left-handed hitter was recently placed on leave, joining MVP outfielder Cody Bellinger, who was diagnosed with a hairline fracture in his left leg just a few weeks after the season’s start. McKinstry is expected back on the lineup soon, and even with their other star player out, the franchise is still favored to secure a back-to-back victory in Octobers’ series. Up until then, fans can connected to the Dodger’s movements by reviewing comprehensive MLB picks all the way to the big day.
Adolís Garcia, Rangers
28-year-old newcomer Adolís Garcia is shaking up the big-league field with over a dozen RBIs and 9 home runs. His electric performances and natural athleticism make him one of the MLB’s most important rising stars, with some even claiming he could be a candidate for the prestigious American League Rookie of the Year Award.
The Cuban native also plays outfield, where he joins members of the defensive team in holding back runs. However, standing at 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, the Rangers player possesses serious power behind home plate, and pitching opponents should undoubtedly fear his incredible slugging abilities.
Trevor Rogers, Marlins
Trevor Rogers is also making his mark in the MLB as a pitcher for the Miami Marlins. In fact, Rogers was another newbie who was named April Rookie of the Month alongside Yermín Mercedes. The left-handed pitcher delivers a mean fastball between 92 and 94 mph and has an ability to strikeout batters consistently.
The starter seems comfortable and confident on the mound, a great quality for a rookie in the majors. Time can only tell if he will be able to continue his stride and help the Marlins push up their ranking further in the NL East.
Dylan Carlson, Cardinals
Last but not least, Dylan Carlson made his debut in the MLB last August with the St. Louis Cardinals after being a prospect on the preliminary list system and playing for several minor league team affiliates such as the Gulf Coast League Cardinals and the Springfield Cardinals.
Since then, the outfielder has proved to be a valuable member of both the team’s hitting and defensive sides. The Cardinals have not been a recipient of a Rookie of the Year Award in over 19 years, but nowadays Carlson is looking like their best bet.