The 2026 MLB season is barely a quarter of the way through, yet the Rookie of the Year (ROY) race is already heating up. The latest ROY poll reveals a dramatic shakeup in both leagues, with new contenders rising and previous favorites falling. This season's ROY candidates are proving to be a fascinating bunch, each bringing their own unique skills and stories to the table. Let's dive into the top contenders and explore what makes them stand out.
American League
McGonigle's Rise to the Top
Nolan McGonigle has emerged as a strong contender, jumping to the top spot after finishing second in the first poll. His impressive performance over the past 11 games, including a .333 average and a .929 OPS, has solidified his position. McGonigle's .291 average and .394 on-base percentage are the best among AL rookies with at least 200 plate appearances, and his 101 total bases are tied for second-most. This surge in performance has undoubtedly caught the attention of voters.
Murakami's Slugger Potential
Munetaka Murakami, a lefty slugger, has been a force to be reckoned with before his recent injury. Despite being on the injured list since May 30 with a right hamstring strain, Murakami still leads all MLB rookies with 20 homers and a .938 OPS. His 41 RBIs entering play on Monday showcase his impact on the team. While his injury is a setback, his early season performance has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on voters.
Messick's Consistency
Parker Messick, a lefty pitcher, has been a consistent performer for the Guardians. With six wins, 75 innings, and 78 strikeouts, he leads AL rookies in these categories. Messick's ERA of 2.40 and WHIP of 1.07 are also impressive. His ability to consistently allow three earned runs or fewer in every start but one, including seven starts with one or no earned runs, has solidified his position in the rankings.
Bazzana's Adjustments
Travis Bazzana, who made his debut on April 28, has adjusted well to the league. Since May 13, he's hit .304 with an .841 OPS and 12 extra-base hits, all of which are the best among AL rookies with at least 85 plate appearances during that span. Bazzana's quick adjustments have earned him a spot in the rankings.
Tolle's Impressive Debut
Colton Tolle's 2026 debut came late in April, but his performance has been nothing short of impressive. With an ERA of 2.28, a WHIP of 0.97, a FIP of 2.66, and an opponents' average of .192, Tolle leads all qualified MLB rookies. His ability to consistently allow two earned runs or fewer in six of his eight starts has solidified his position in the rankings.
National League
Wetherholt's Consistent Performance
JJ Wetherholt, the Cardinals' top prospect, has been a consistent performer since homering on Opening Day. His .358 on-base percentage is the highest among qualified NL rookies, and his .753 OPS ranks third. Wetherholt's recent hot streak, hitting .333 with an .807 OPS over his past seven games, has further solidified his position as a top contender.
Stewart's Power Hitting
Sal Stewart, a power-hitting rookie, leads all NL rookies with 12 homers, 39 RBIs, and an .801 OPS. His 25 extra-base hits and .364 average over his final 12 games of May, including a 15.2 percent barrel rate in the 90th percentile, showcase his ability to make an impact. Stewart's performance has earned him more first-place votes in the latest poll.
McLean's Strikeout Mastery
Nolan McLean, a right-handed pitcher, leads the NL rookie class with 82 strikeouts and a .202 opponents' average. His 1.11 WHIP is just a tick off the group lead. McLean's ability to consistently strike out batters and limit opponents' averages has made him a strong contender.
Griffin's Hitting Heat
Konnor Griffin, who also placed fourth in the first ROY poll, was on a hot streak before his forearm strain. Hitting .321 over his last 14 games, Griffin's .270 average leads NL rookies with at least 150 plate appearances, and his 14 stolen bases are most among all MLB rookies. His hitting prowess has undoubtedly left a mark on voters.
Benge's Late-Season Surge
Carson Benge, who has come on strong in recent weeks, has earned a spot on the list. Over his past 10 games, Benge has hit .366 with 10 homers and a 1.165 OPS. His 5-for-5 performance on Sunday against the Padres, which raised his season OPS by 51 percentage points, showcases his ability to make an impact in crucial moments.
The 2026 ROY race is shaping up to be an exciting one, with a mix of power hitters, strikeout artists, and consistent performers. As the season progresses, we can expect more surprises and shifts in the rankings. The voters' opinions will continue to evolve, and the ultimate ROY winners will be determined by their ability to maintain high-level performances throughout the season.
