MLB Rookie of the Year: AL & NL Favorites, Odds, Predictions for 2026

In 2024 two pitchers were named MLB Rookie of the Year as Pirates Paul Skenes (National League) and the Yankees Luis Gil (American League) took the honors.  A year later, hitters took the award as Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz and Braves catcher Drake Baldwin won in their respective leagues.   What does 2026 hold?  Let’s dive in and preview the contenders and possible sleep picks in both leagues.

American League Contenders

Kazuma Okamoto, Blue Jays (+450)

While Kazuma Okamoto isn’t well known on this side of the pond, the third baseman is a household name back home.  The Japanese star had six 30-home run seasons and a career .782 OPS in the NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball). If he can continue that sort of production in the Majors, he should be a contender throughout the season. Okamoto turns 30 in June and has the experience, but that could also sway voters away, since he’ll be 7-10 years older than his competition. 

Trey Yesavage, Blue Jays (+475)

Trey Yesevage burst onto the scene during the playoffs and was a big reason the Blue Jays pushed the Dodgers to Game 7 of the World Series.  The 22-year old started 2025 in Single-A before joining Toronto in September, becoming a key part of the rotation.  Yesavage hit the mound six times including five starts and posted a 3.58 ERA with 39 strikeouts in 27 2/3 innings. His filthy splitter will pile up the strikeouts and his projections will put Yesavage right in the thick of the ROY race.

Kevin McGonigle, Tigers (+475)

Kevin McGonigle is battling for a roster spot with the Tigers.  He is considered the best rookie based on pedigree but needs to solidify the lineup. There is a chance he can start in Triple-A and if that happens, expect his odds to balloon. However, he should spend a good chunk of the year in Detroit, and would be a great choice at longer odds.  In his last season at West Michigan in 2025, the 20-year old was batting .372, 7 HRs, and 39 RBI.

Carter Jensen, Royals (+500)

Carter Jensen was called up in September and finished with a bang hitting .300 with 13 RBIs and three home runs in 20 games.   Many experts have Jensen as the No. 1 prospect who can make the biggest impact in 2026.  While he is expected to split catching duties, Jensen should remain in the lineup as the catcher or in a DH role.  The 22-year old is projected to hit around 12 home runs but some analysts believe he can get to 25 dingers this season.

Prediction:  Chase DeLauter, Guardians (+1600)

Chase DeLauter made his debut in the 2025 playoffs appearing in a few games and even got a hit.   The 24-year old and former 2022 is in line for a major role with Cleveland and is expected to be in the conversation for ROY.  Injuries forced DeLauter to just 138 Minor League games and didn’t play more than 57 games in a single season.  His projections for 2026 is .252/.326/.408 slash line with 14 homers in 118 games and if he can exceed those numbers, he has what it takes to take this honor and at this price, he is our pick in 2026.

American League 2026 Rookie of the Year Winner Odds

Kazuma Okamoto +450

Trey Yesavage +475

Kevin McGonigle +475

Carter Jensen +500

Munetaka Murakami +700

Samuel Basallo +1200

Chase DeLauter +1600

National League Contenders

Konnor Griffin, Pirates (+200)

Konnor Griffin is the No. 1 overall prospect in baseball and that’s why he’s the shortest price among contenders.  Many analysts have already anointed him a future superstar and he’s just 19-years old.  Griffin played just 21 games above Single-A and the Pirates didn’t sign a veteran shortstop, instead they feel he’s ready to jump right in.  He’ll get every opportunity to put up numbers in his rookie season and if he’s healthy, it’ll be tough to beat him.

Nolan McLean, Mets (+400)

Nolan McLean may be Griffin’s biggest competition for NL Rookie of the Year.  Analysts project McLean to be part of the starting rotation in New York after going 5-1, 2.06 ERA in 2025.  He enters 2026 as the top-rookie pitcher to watch.  The 24-year-old pairs a mid-90s sinker with a sharp breaking ball that keeps hitters guessing.   His trajectory suggests long-term success in the Majors and is expected to have a productive season.

JJ Wetherholt, Cardinals (+600)

JJ Wetherholt is expected to be the Cardinals’ everyday second baseman after the team traded Brendan Donovan. The 23-year old is the No. 5-ranked prospect in MLB Pipeline’s latest list after being drafted seventh overall.  St. Louis has been patient as he spent time in Single-A Palm Beach, Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis in 2025.  He had 17 home runs and 59 RBIs in 109 games

Bubba Chandler, Pirates (+1000)

The Pirates have an abundance of young pitchers and Bubba Chandler is another star in waiting.  He jumped to the bigs in August and played 7 games, and had a record of 4-1 with 31Ks  and a WHIP of 0.93.  He’ll likely endure the rookie blues but Chandler has an excellent shot at winning ROY. 

Prediction:  Nolan McLean, Mets (+400)

With his dominance at the end of 2025, Nolan McLean is our pick after posting the lowest ERA by a Mets rookie through four starts in franchise history. His sinker is devastating and his curveball provides him with the complete package to anchor the Mets rotation.  He has the stuff to excel in the Big Apple as pressure from media and fans can change the course of the season for a rookie.

National League 2026 Rookie of the Year Winner Odds

Konnor Griffin +200

Nolan McLean +400

JJ Wetherholt +600

Sal Stewart +700

Bubba Chandler +1000 

Bryce Eldridge +1200