Last season four MLB rookies hit 20 or more home runs: Justin Bour (23 with the Marlins), Kris Bryant (26 with the Cubs), Carlos Correa (22 with the Astros) and Joc Pederson (26 with the Dodgers). There have now been 166 first-year players in MLB history to hit 20-plus HRs in their rookie campaign. The four players this year was the most in a season since four rookies did it in 2012. The most in a season was six in 2006, 1987 and 1964.
Looking at the breakdown of which teams have had the most rookies hit 20-plus home runs in a season, we discover that the Cleveland Indians top this category. They have had 12 rookies hit 20 or more home runs in their franchise history. At the other end of the list are the New York Mets who have had only one player hit 20-plus HRs in a season; Darryl Strawberry hit 26 in 1983.
Here’s a look at the how many rookies have hit 20 or more home runs in a season for each franchise.
12: Indians
11: Red Sox
9: Braves
8: Angels, A’s, Dodgers, Orioles, Twins, White Sox
7: Giants, Marlins, Reds
6: Tigers, Yankees
5: Cubs, Phillies, Royals
4: Astros, Nationals, Pirates, Rangers
3: Blue Jays, Cards, Mariners, Rockies
2: Brewers, Diamondbacks, Padres, Rays
1: Mets
Note: One player, Jose Cruz, in 1996 hit 26 HRs in his rookie season while playing for two different teams. He hit 12 with the Mariners and 14 with the Blue Jays.