Jon Heyman MLB rookies making big — and costly — first impressions By Jon Heyman Published March 31, 2026, 5:42 p.m. ET Sal Stewart of the Cincinnati Reds hits a home run against the Boston Red Sox. Getty Images The Pirates made a record offer for a minor leaguer to 19-year-old phenom Konnor Griffin, who’s off to a big start at Triple-A, and sources say the Cardinals are trying to extend multitalented infielder JJ Wetherholt in what looks like the year of the rookie.
If first impressions mean anything, this will be a big year for newcomers — rookies hit .309 with a .622 slugging percentage the first weekend, The Athletic reported — and teams are understandably trying to extend the best of the bunch.
The NL Player of the Week went 7-for-10 with a 2.069 OPS.
The AL Player of the Week hit a league-leading four homers. If he stays healthy, he could be special.
