The 2026 Rookie of the Year (ROY) race is already heating up, with a dramatic shakeup in both the American League (AL) and National League (NL) rankings. This early season poll reveals a highly competitive field, with several contenders emerging and others falling by the wayside. The poll, conducted by a panel of 32 MLB.com experts, provides an insightful glimpse into the potential future stars of baseball.
In the AL, Nolan McGonigle has surged to the top spot, showcasing a stellar .333 average and an impressive .929 OPS over his past 11 games. His season-long .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. McGonigle's rise is particularly notable, as he finished second in the previous poll, demonstrating his consistent performance.
Munetaka Murakami, a lefty slugger, has also made a strong case for the ROY award despite being on the injured list since May 30 with a right hamstring strain. Before the injury, Murakami led all MLB rookies with 20 homers and a .938 OPS, and he also led the group with 41 RBIs. His ability to produce despite the injury makes him a top contender.
Parker Messick, a left-handed pitcher, has dominated the AL rookie leaderboard with six wins, 75 innings, and 78 strikeouts. His ERA of 2.40 and WHIP of 1.07 are among the best in the league. Messick's consistent performance has earned him a higher ranking, jumping two spots in the rankings this month.
Travis Bazzana, another rookie, has adjusted well to the big leagues since his April 28 debut. 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. His recent hot streak has earned him a spot in the rankings.
In the NL, the race is equally intense. JJ Wetherholt, a Cardinals prospect, has lived up to the hype with a .358 on-base percentage and a .753 OPS, ranking third in the NL. His nine homers are the second-most among NL rookies, and his performance over the past seven games has been particularly impressive.
Sal Stewart, a Reds rookie, leads the NL with 12 homers, 39 RBIs, and an .801 OPS. His 25 extra-base hits are also the most in the league. Stewart's hot streak continued in May, where he hit .364 with a 1.030 OPS, helped by a 15.2 percent barrel rate, which ranks in the 90th percentile in baseball.
Nolan McLean, a Mets rookie, dropped two spots from the previous poll but remains a strong contender. His 82 strikeouts and .202 opponents' average are tops in the NL, and his 1.11 WHIP is just a tick off the group lead. McLean's recent consecutive starts allowing just one earned run further solidify his case.
Konnor Griffin, a Pirates rookie, was heating up before a forearm strain sidelined him at the end of May. Despite the injury, he led NL rookies with a .270 average and 14 stolen bases. His ability to produce despite the injury makes him a potential dark horse candidate.
Carson Benge, a Mets rookie, has emerged as a strong contender in recent weeks. His .366 average, 10 homers, and 1.165 OPS over the past 10 games have earned him a spot on the leaderboard. Benge's strong finish to May and strong start to June have elevated his season OPS to .733, ranking fourth among qualified NL rookies.
This poll highlights the early-season drama and the intense competition for the ROY award. With injuries and hot streaks affecting the rankings, the race is far from over, and the battle for the top spot in both leagues promises to be an entertaining one as the season progresses.
