Inside the Odd Numbers of MLB’s First Week: The Good, the Bad, the Rookies
Sports Illustrated • • sports
Key Points:
- The 2026 MLB season has started with rookies making significant impacts, while some established stars and contenders are struggling early on.
- The New York Yankees boast the best pitching staff with a team ERA of 1.01 and three shutouts in six games, while the Chicago White Sox have the worst ERA at 8.63, struggling with control and allowing many runs.
- Rookie Joey Wiemer leads MLB with a 0.7 fWAR and a staggering 367 wRC+, showcasing exceptional offensive performance, while Reds rookie Sal Stewart also shines with a 0.6 fWAR and a 313 wRC+.
- Some top players like Bo Bichette and Aaron Judge have had poor starts, with Bichette posting an MLB-worst -0.4 fWAR and Judge struggling with a .125 batting average and 11 strikeouts.
- Pitching highlights include Yankees' Cam Schlittler leading starters with a 98.9 mph average fastball velocity and a 0.00 ERA, while reigning NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes has had a rough start, allowing six earned runs in less than six innings.
