The 2022 rookie class was one to remember.
BA Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez became the fastest rookie to reach 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases, beating a record previously held by Mike Trout, and led the Mariners to the postseason for the first time in 21 years.
Preseason No. 1 prospect Adley Rutschman debuted for the Orioles in late May and steered them to their first winning record in six years with standout performances both offensively and defensively behind the plate.
Outfielder Michael Harris energized a sagging Braves team after he was called up in late May and fueled a turnaround that led Atlanta to its fifth straight National League East title.
And that’s to say nothing of the pitchers. Braves righthander Spencer Strider became the fastest pitcher to reach 200 strikeouts in a season, breaking a record held by Randy Johnson. Mariners righthander George Kirby set a record with 24 consecutive strikes to start a game and went 8-5, 3.39 to help push the Mariners to the postseason. Angels lefthander Reid Detmers threw a no-hitter and posted a 3.04 ERA after the all-star break. Orioles righthander Felix Bautista held opponents to a .167 average while emerging as a dominant closer for Baltimore.
All in all, it was a banner season for rookies in 2022. As such, the strength of the class means many worthy candidates were squeezed out of a spot on our All-Rookie team.
An exceptionally strong rookie outfield class of Rodriguez, Harris and Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan left no room for D-backs outfielder Jake McCarthy and Guardians outfielder Oscar Gonzalez, who both had worthy seasons. Pirates righthander Roansy Contreras, Marlins lefthander Braxton Garrett, Cardinals swingman Andre Pallante, Rangers reliever Brock Burke, Reds reliever Alexis Diaz and Twins reliever Jhoan Duran all had excellent years and were simply pushed off by an outstanding rookie pitching class.
Nationals first baseman/outfielder Joey Meneses and Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino both mashed after their callups, but fell short of making the All-Rookie team because their performances took place over small samples. Braves second baseman Vaughn Grissom had a season worthy of recognition in a short sample, as well.
Below is the 2022 Baseball America All-Rookie team as selected by staff.
C Adley Rutschman, Orioles
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 draft, Rutschman debuted on May 21 and quickly showed why he’s been hailed as the cornerstone of the Orioles rebuild. He shook…
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