Unlike last season, 2026 features a loaded rookie class. That’s not to say 2025 lacked quality, but it didn’t offer much depth, particularly in the National League. This year is a different story. The future of the game is in good hands, and it will be on full display with this ranking of Rookie of the Year candidates. Let’s start in the AL.
American League
1. Kevin McGonigle, SS, Detroit Tigers
The Tigers’ top prospect has cracked the Opening Day roster, placing an elite pure hitter at shortstop for a true contender in the American League. He is widely viewed as a safe bet at the prospect level, driven by an elite hit tool. In truth, few recent prospects have carried this level of certainty.
2. Carter Jensen, C, Kansas City Royals
Salvador Perez is nearing the back end of his career, and the Royals appear to have their catcher of the future in Carter Jensen. He brings impact on both sides of the ball, with a pop time that ranks among the best in the game. That may not even be his top trait. His underlying metrics point to a well-rounded offensive game, with consistent hard contact, strong launch angles, and disciplined at-bats that generate walks while limiting strikeouts. Those indicators suggest a player capable of producing at the major league level, even at 22. With a relatively thin lineup around him, Jensen should have ample opportunity to establish himself early.
3. Tatsuya Imai, SP, Houston Astros
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Kodai Senga, and Shota Imanaga have all transitioned successfully from NPB to MLB in recent years. Tatsuya Imai looks like the next in line to establish himself as a top-end starter. One of the strongest indicators of future success is K/BB%, and he stands out in that area. While NPB is generally more pitcher-friendly than MLB, the overall profile suggests he should be well positioned for a strong rookie season.
4. Kazuma Okamoto, 3B, Toronto Blue Jays
Kazuma Okamoto is one of the more intriguing players to watch entering the 2026 season. The Blue Jays needed to replace Bo Bichette, a key piece in their World Series run, and turned to Okamoto, a power bat from overseas. He steps into a significant role, and the key indicators suggest he can meet expectations. While the power draws most of the attention, his ability to limit strikeouts should help ease the transition to MLB.
5. Chase DeLauter, OF, Cleveland Guardians
The Guardians need more production in the middle of their lineup if they are going to contend, and DeLauter is expected to help fill that void. He made his debut during last year’s postseason out of necessity, but now enters the season with a clean slate. His performance in the minor leagues points to a reliable bat, which should earn him an extended look in Cleveland. The opportunity will be there, and there is reason to believe he can take advantage of it.
National League
1. JJ Wetherholt, 2B, St. Louis Cardinals
Other than McGonigle, Wetherholt is widely viewed as the best pure hitter among top prospects. He was expected to go near the top of the 2024 draft following a standout career at West Virginia, but slipped due to an injury that limited him in his final season. After the Cardinals traded Brendan Donovan to the Mariners, an opening in the infield cleared a path for his debut. His contact ability gives him a high floor, and there is enough power to generate real intrigue entering 2026.
2. Sal Stewart, 1B, Cincinnati Reds
The Reds fielded one of the least productive lineups in baseball last season, yet still reached the playoffs. That group should take a step forward with a full season from Sal Stewart in the middle of the order. The addition of Eugenio Suárez provides protection behind him, which should lead to more hittable pitches. With Elly De La Cruz and a potential bounce-back from Matt McClain setting the table, Stewart will have plenty of run-producing opportunities. His ability to drive the ball gives him a legitimate chance to contend for Rookie of the Year.
3. Nolan McLean, SP, New York Mets
From a pure stuff standpoint, McLean may sit at the top of the class. His repertoire allows him to handle both right- and left-handed hitters, a trait few pitchers possess. A strong 48-inning sample last season also helps ease concerns about the transition to the majors. If everything clicks, his ceiling reaches into Cy Young territory, making a Rookie of the Year campaign a natural first step. That said, the award has recently leaned toward hitters, which could present a significant hurdle.
4. Konnor Griffin, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates
A 165 wRC+ across three levels last season points to the top prospect in baseball residing in Pittsburgh, and the organization could use an impact bat in its lineup. Service time considerations will likely keep Konnor Griffin off the Opening Day roster, but a relatively early call-up remains expected. That timeline should still allow him to factor into this race. That said, at just 19, and without a clear runway to start the season, it is difficult to rank him any higher at this point.
5. Bubba Chandler, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Griffin’s teammate, Bubba Chandler, could be a sneaky pick for this award. The Pirates have no shortage of young starters, and Chandler appears next in line. His fastball averages 98.9 mph, and he complements it with secondary offerings that make him difficult to square up. In a brief stint at the highest level last year, he generated elite whiff rates while showing strong command. That combination makes a compelling case to have him near the top of the Rookie of the Year race.
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