Who are MLB's top rookies in 2018?

By Mark Simon

Let’s interrupt your focus on the MLB Trade Deadline to take a look at some players who probably aren’t going anywhere – the top rookies in the majors in 2018.

Using our Total Runs stat, which combines Runs Created, Defensive Runs Saved and Pitching Runs, along with an adjustment for position and playing time, the top two rookies in each league are Angels designated hitter/pitcher Shohei Ohtani and Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres in the American League, and Marlins outfielder and third baseman Brian Anderson and Cardinals outfielder Harrison Bader in the National League (we’ll explain why some of the better-known players in the NL aren't in the top two in a moment).

Yankees third baseman Miguel Andujar and Rangers utility man Isiah Kiner-Falefa have also put up strong numbers in their rookie campaigns. If Andujar wasn’t struggling so much defensively (-13 Defensive Runs Saved), he’d be right with Ohtani for the top spot.That Ohtani still leads despite missing nearly a month due to injury is a tribute to how amazing he’s been this season. His runs are split almost evenly between his hitting and his pitching, and he was on target to be a top player in the sport before missing time. Torres just returned from an injury as well. He’s made the Yankees better at the plate with an .896 OPS, and in the field with 2 Defensive Runs Saved and performed well in the Yankees' shifts.

Kiner-Falefa rates this high because of his defense. He has saved eight runs spread out over four positions (second base, shortstop, third base and catcher).

In the National League, the surprise is that Anderson holds the top spot by a considerable margin. Given a chance to play because of the Marlins' dearth of veterans, Anderson has shown versatility and skill. His season batting average has been at least .280 every day for the last two months. He’s saved four runs in right field and cost his team two at third base.

You’re probably wondering why Nationals outfielder Juan Soto and Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Braves don't rank higher. It's because of how much they've played..

Soto, who didn't debut until late May, has 43 Totals Runs in 56 games, a pace similar to that of Anderson. The 19-year-old Soto has posted incredible offensive numbers (his OPS was over 1.000 at the end of June and currently stands at .950), impressing with both his power and his discipline. He’s been held back a little bit statistically by his defensive performance.

His work in the outfield has cost his team six runs so far. His inexperience has shown, as he has 16 Defensive Misplays & Errors compared to two Good Fielding Plays.

Acuña was hindered by missing a month due to a knee injury. He too is basically a match for Anderson on a Total Runs per game basis. Acuña has room to grow his 2018 slashline (currently .270/.333/.476). In his last 20 games, he’s hitting .304/.369/.553.

He’ll also have the benefit of being in a pennant race the next two months, during which time the drama of the Rookie of the Year race will certainly heighten.