subject: Mlb Ticket- Rookies That Have Made An Immediate Impact [print this page] The best teams across Major League Baseball not only perform well on the field, but in their front office, player development and scouting departments. While some teams won't hesitate to trade away prospects for immediate help, which can bolster their MLB tickets sales and give them a better chance at the postseason, the analysts looking at the big picture know that this isn't a sound strategy.
A perfect example of this lies in one of the worst trades in Major League Baseball history. Back in 1987, the Detroit Tigers were in contention and needed help at the trading deadline. They traded a 20-year-old, Michigan-born pitching prospect by the name of John Smoltz to the Atlanta Braves for 36-year-old veteran Doyle Alexander. While Alexander would help the Tigers to the postseason in 1987, he was out of baseball two years later, while Smoltz would pitch for two decades in Atlanta, in what's likely a Hall of Fame career. This is the reason why it's difficult to trade that top prospect for help just to contend for the season. While there are no sure things in baseball when it comes to prospects, the regret formed when they go on to a long, successful career with another franchise overshadows the trade, especially if it didn't result in a World Series win. Here are a few rookies who have had an immediate impact -- and whose teams have wisely held onto them!
1) Bryce Harper - Washington Nationals:
When Sports Illustrated dubs you as the "LeBron James of baseball" from a young age, you know you're good. Harper's criticism in the minor leagues had to do with his cocky, arrogant attitude rather than his talent, but since he's been promoted to the Major Leagues, there's been none of that. Harper has helped carry the Nationals to contention, providing a glimpse into what's certain to be a bright future for him and the franchise.
2) Mike Trout - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:
Not to be outdone, "The Mickey Mantle of Millville [New Jersey]" has done for the Angels on the West Coast what Harper has done for the Nationals on the East Coast. Carrying the team through injuries and disappointing performances by other veteran stars, Trout has ignited what's certain to be the debate of this generation when it comes to Trout versus Harper. Could it be similar to debating Ted Williams versus Lou Gehrig? Regardless of what happens, Trout is beyond a joy to watch on the field.
3) Yu Darvish - Texas Rangers:
While there's plenty of debate about whether a player who pitched for seven years in Japan is technically a "rookie" in Major League Baseball, the rules designate him as one. After paying $51.7 million just for the right to negotiate with Darvish, the Rangers are winning their division with Darvish's help in the rotation. Seen by many as the best pitcher from Japan, the Rangers hope that over the next decade or more that Darvish leads the team to multiple World Series wins in America.
