Top 10 MLB rookies expected to be on Opening Day rosters

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Jul 5, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Steven Matz (32) throws the ball in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Steven Matz, SP, New York Mets

Very rarely would a pitcher with three postseason starts under his belt be considered a prospect heading into the next season. However, Matz still has rookie eligibility and will get a chance to show off his skill set over a full season as a member of New York’s terrific young rotation.

Matz is understandably being overshadowed by the likes of Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard and Matt Harvey, but has the chance to develop into a top-line pitcher in his own right. After dominating the minor leagues, Matz posted a 2.27 ERA (3.61 FIP) over six starts with the Mets according to FanGraphs and more than held his own in the playoffs.

As that ERA number would indicate, Matz flashed some dominant stuff in his first go-around at the MLB level. Matz struck out 22.8 percent of batters in the regular season, and showed better command than many were expecting coming out of the minors.

Matz sits in the mid-90s with movement on his fastball, giving him the kind of upside that only a select few left-handers can match. The most important thing to watch with Matz this season will be his changeup, and will have legitimate ace potential if that develops into a plus pitch.

All that high-leverage experience at 24 years old should only help Matz be even better in 2016. Look for Matz to turn in a strong rookie season as a key rotation member of a contending team.

Next: 2. Byron Buxton, OF, Minnesota Twins

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