Will 2016 MLB Rookie Class Provide Encore to Electric 2015 Group?

This year's MLB rookie class may not feature an immediate superstar like Mike Trout or Jose Abreu in recent seasons, but in terms of depth, it's as good as any in recent memory.

All told, an impressive 25 position players and 17 pitchers in the rookie class have been good for at least 1.0 WAR so far this season, and that number figures to climb before the season is over.

The Rookie of the Year race is still very much up for grabs in both the American League and National League, as the final month of the season figures to be the deciding factor in who takes home the awards.

Shortstop Carlos Correa (HOU) looks like the favorite on the AL side of things, while Roberto Osuna (TOR), Nathan Karns (TB), Andrew Heaney (LAA) and Miguel Sano (MIN) are also in the mix.

The NL race is far more cluttered, as Kris Bryant (CHC) and Joc Pederson (LAD) looked like the favorites at the All-Star break.

However, they've both slowed after the break, opening the door for Matt Duffy (SF), Jung Ho Kang (PIT), Randal Grichuk (STL), Maikel Franco (PHI), Chris Heston (SF), Taylor Jungmann (MIL) and Noah Syndergaard (NYM)—all have a chance with a strong final month.

So that begs the question: Has the young player talent pool run dry as a result of such an influx of prospect talent, or can we expect an encore performance in 2016?

What follows is a ranking of the 10 prospects currently in position to make the biggest impact in 2016.

Players are ranked based on their expected 2016 performance. Current level of development relative to being big league ready and their path to a regular big league job in 2016 were the two biggest factors.

Also included is a full list of others who could join them in making this another deep rookie class, as well as one international prospect who should be remembered as part of the discussion as well.

Note: Players who have debuted already this season were not considered, but it's very possible some of them will end up maintaining their rookie eligibility and entering next season as part of the 2016 prospect class.

Begin Slideshow