Li Haoyu ranks third on the MLB rookie third baseman leaderboard; U.S. media assess him as having the capability to compete for the best rookie title.

The MLB official site has gradually published the top ten rookie rankings by defensive position for the upcoming season. In the newest third baseman list, Li Haoyu, playing for the Detroit Tigers, is ranked third. Now on the team's 40-man roster, he is anticipated to debut in the major leagues this year.

Last year, Li Haoyu advanced to Triple-A for the first time, appearing in 126 games with 579 plate appearances in the International League, achieving a batting line of .243/.342/.406 and hitting a career single-season high of 14 home runs. Although his weighted runs created plus (wRC+) was only slightly above the league average at 106, MLB analysis suggests not to place too much emphasis on this figure, as he consistently targets optimal pitches within the strike zone with a bat speed reaching 105.4 mph (approximately 169.6 km/h), surpassing 90% of players in the league.

The report analyzes that Li Haoyu hits more balls to the opposite field than pulling, and his relatively high ground ball rate of 44.7% results in a lower batting average on balls in play, which affects his overall hitting statistics. However, his overall contact rate and raw power indicate he has the potential to achieve a higher batting average and respectable slugging percentage in the major leagues.

The MLB website also notes that although Li Haoyu originally played shortstop, he is now capable of handling second and third base. While his athleticism and arm strength better suit second base, the Tigers currently rotate him and Max Anderson between second and third base, hoping one of them can develop significantly and become the team's starting third baseman.

Jonathan Mayo, the MLB reporter responsible for the rookie rankings, stated that Li Haoyu possesses the best base running and defensive potential among the players on this list and is optimistic about his chances to compete for the Rookie of the Year award. This optimism is mainly because most other players on the list are unlikely to secure a stable major league spot at the start of the season, whereas Li has nearly completed full seasons at every minor league level and can compete for playing time at both second and third base.

Li Haoyu was added to the Tigers’ 40-man roster at the end of last year and was set to participate in major league spring training as a 40-man roster member for the first time. However, his spring training schedule may be adjusted due to a possible return to Taiwan in late February to prepare for the World Baseball Classic.