MLB Hot Starts: Rookies Steven Kwan, Seiya Suzuki Make Their Marks

Steven Kwan started his MLB career with a blistering first week, with just his first five games being enough to launch him into the conversation for AL Rookie of the Year.

As of Wednesday evening, FanDuel Sportsbook lists Kwan as the +650 third choice to win the AL Rookie of the Year, tied with Tigers prospect Spencer Torkelson. Royals third baseman Bobby Witt Jr. remains the +280 favorite.

Kwan sets records to start MLB career

The 24-year-old Kwan reached based 17 times in his first five games with the Cleveland Guardians. At one point on Monday, he’d reached base nine straight times.

The incredible numbers don’t stop there. Kwan didn’t swing and miss at a single pitch until Wednesday, seeing 116 pitches before finally whiffing once. He swung 40 times without missing the ball. He also struck out on Wednesday, his first time doing that – including in spring training – since he was on Triple-A Columbus last season.

“They tried to elevate yesterday. They tried to throw him off-speed today. His at-bats are really, really good,” Cleveland manager Terry Francona told reporters. “I bet there’s a lot of player development people who have their chest out right now, as they should. And I know we’re four games in, but every single one of them kept saying, ‘Hey, he’s going to be okay, man.’ So I know they’re proud.”

Kwan has enjoyed a dream start to his MLB career and says he doesn’t want the ride to end.

“I’m afraid I’m going to wake up pretty soon,” Kwan told reporters after only his third game when he had already broken a record by reaching base 12 times. “This whole experience has been amazing.”

Suzuki adjusting well to MLB competition

Over in the National League, oddsmakers predicted a race between Oneil Cruz and Seiya Suzuki for the NL Rookie of the Year. But while the Pittsburgh Pirates have stashed Cruz in Triple-A Indianapolis for the time being, Suzuki is already crushing the ball for the Chicago Cubs.

Suzuki hit two home runs at PNC Park against the Pirates on Tuesday, singlehandedly delivering a 2-1 win for the Cubs. Through four games, Suzuki is hitting .417 with three home runs and eight RBIs, with an astronomical 1.696 OPS.

In other words, Chicago is getting everything they wanted — and more — from the Japanese import who, at 27, was already an established star in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).

“He’s good,” Cubs acting manager Andy Green said after Tuesday’s performance. “It’s not rocket science. He can flat-out swing the bat.”

Suzuki says he’s been somewhat lucky to have such a hot start, but that he’s glad to help Chicago get some early wins.

“There are a lot of great guys on this team. Many of them are trying to learn Japanese for me so they can communicate with me,” Suzuki told reporters via a translator. “Seeing them do that for me, it just means a lot for me, and I want to win as many games as possible with them.”

Suzuki now rates as the clear +170 pick to win the NL Rookie of the Year, with Cruz still in second position on the board at +600.