Jackson Scudder

Yordan Alvarez is very good at hitting baseballs, but how good is he exactly? Yordan burst onto the scene in 2019 when he slashed .313/.412/.655 with an OPS+ of 173. This of course led to him winning American League Rookie of the Year, while leading his team to the 2019 World Series. After missing the shortened 2020, Yordan came back in 2021 putting up a respectable slashline of .277/.346/.531 with an OPS+ of 136. With another good year for Yordan in the books, he was projected to be great in 2022, but not many people theorized that he could eclipse his rookie season. Through 72 games Yordan is slashing .313/.411/.660 with an OPS+ of 200. It is apparent that Alvarez is off to an unbelievable start to his career, but how does it compare to the all time greats?

Alvarez’s rookie year was arguably one of the greatest rookie seasons of all time. Since 1920, he had the 3rd highest wRC+ in rookie year ever with his 178 mark trailing only Frank Thomas and Willie McCovey (2 HOFamers). Also between Thomas, McCovey, and Alvarez himself, he accumulated more PAs then both of them in their respective rookie years. Yordan also has the 2nd highest SLG in a rookie year behind only McCovey. Alvarez's rookie year is arguably the best ever from a hitter, but how does he compare directly to other greats?

Trout vs Alvarez vs Pujols vs Griffey

(All numbers shown are from players first 1150-1500 PA)

As one can see, Alvarez's start to his career is highly comparable to the all time greats of the game. His ability to slug is clearly one of the best of all time, as he is off to a better start slugging than 2 HOF players and another future HOFer. His OPS+ is also very impressive as he is hitting better compared to his competition than most as well.

Lastly, let's compare Alvarez to some of the current greats of the game.

Alvarez vs Judge vs Freeman vs Soto

(All seasons 2019-2022)