Following the announcement of Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle and Cincinnati Reds slugger Sal Stewart as the 2026 Rookies of the Year, attention has turned to the next generation of major league talent. McGonigle led the American League race from start to finish, while Stewart claimed the National League honor over New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge and St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt, according to reporting by CBS Sports.
American League Contenders
Seattle Mariners left-handed pitcher Kade Anderson stands out as an early favorite for the American League award. Selected third overall in the 2025 draft, Anderson made seven starts after a late-August debut, remaining under the threshold of 50 innings or 45 days of service time required to retain rookie eligibility. Across 129 combined innings between the minor leagues and MLB in 2026, he registered 167 strikeouts while issuing just 22 walks, putting him in line for an Opening Day rotation spot.
Boston Red Sox shortstop Franklin Arias is another strong contender after hitting .323 with 25 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A in 2026. Playing at Triple-A as a 20-year-old, Arias batted .331 over 42 games. With veteran Trevor Story entering the final year of his contract, Boston could look to hand the starting role to Arias early in the 2027 campaign.
Minnesota Twins outfielder Walker Jenkins also kept his rookie status intact despite a brief, challenging debut in late August. Jenkins hit .226 over 26 games with Minnesota, though he displayed strong plate discipline and contact rates. Turning 22 in February, Jenkins is expected to receive regular playing time to adapt to major league pitching in 2027.
National League Contenders
In the National League, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Josue De Paula displayed strong plate vision in a brief 11-game major league appearance, drawing 13 walks against five strikeouts alongside four postseason pinch-hitting outings. CBS Sports noted that De Paula’s primary challenge for the award will be securing regular playing time in a crowded outfield and designated hitter rotation featuring Shohei Ohtani, Andy Pages, and Kyle Tucker.
The defending World Series champion Milwaukee Brewers feature top overall prospect Jesús Made. At 19 years old, Made played a full season at Double-A in 2026 and is currently competing in the Dominican Winter League. Made is expected to begin 2027 at Triple-A before a potential call-up to Milwaukee around May or June, likely fitting into the lineup at third base.
San Diego Padres catcher Ethan Salas became the youngest catcher to play in a postseason game during Game 2 of the Wild Card Series at 20 years and 121 days old. After starting three of San Diego’s six playoff contests, Salas is positioned to serve as the team’s primary catcher next season, which would make him the youngest regular starter at the position since Hall of Famer Ivan Rodriguez in 1991.
International Candidates
Under Major League Baseball rules, players entering the league via the Japanese posting system remain eligible for Rookie of the Year honors regardless of age or professional experience in Japan. Third baseman Teruaki Sato enters the market as Japan’s reigning Triple Crown winner, featuring left-handed power with potential for 30 home runs, despite higher strikeout rates and defensive questions at third base.
Right-handed pitcher Kaima Taira is also expected to transition to MLB. Standing 5-foot-8, Taira made the transition back to a starting role for the Seibu Lions in 2026 after working out of the bullpen in 2024 and 2025, using high fastball velocity and impressive mound extension to generate late-inning interest or rotation potential for interested major league clubs.
