Written by Mark Bailey
As the 2025 Major League Baseball season pushes past its halfway mark, the league’s rookies are making headlines. Several newcomers have risen to prominence, either dominating from the start or charging forward after a midseason call-up.
The Rookie of the Year races in both leagues have become battlegrounds of young talent, each bringing its own surprises. While some front-runners have separated from the pack, others are quickly gaining ground, setting up a thrilling finish for this year’s rookie class.
American League: Stars Emerging Under Pressure
This year’s American League rookie class is showcasing remarkable resilience, with several newcomers thriving under the spotlight and turning tight divisional races on their heads.
Jacob Wilson
Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson has taken the American League by storm. His .362 batting average speaks volumes, bolstered by a recent hot streak where he hit .404 since late May. Wilson leads AL rookies in nearly every offensive category, including runs, hits, RBIs, on-base percentage, and slugging.
Unsurprisingly, his breakout season has started to shift MLB odds, as bettors and analysts alike take notice of his impact. He came just one vote shy of a unanimous first-place selection in the latest poll, highlighting his dominance.
Carlos Narváez
Catching for the Red Sox, Carlos Narváez has emerged as an unexpected contender. Known more for his defensive acumen than offensive prowess, Narváez has delivered several key moments, including a dramatic walk-off single against the Yankees.
Despite modest preseason expectations, his ability to deliver in clutch situations, along with his 15 doubles, has made him a consistent force behind the plate.
Shane Smith
Shane Smith of the White Sox has been a revelation. Selected first in the Rule 5 Draft, Smith boasts a 2.37 ERA, the best among AL rookies with at least 50 innings.
His sharp command and ability to limit runs have given Chicago a much-needed boost. Even more impressive is his knack for strikeouts, ranking second among AL rookies with 64 punchouts. He has allowed just one run over his last two starts, continuing to solidify his case.
Jasson Domínguez
Though his power numbers have dipped, Yankees outfielder Jasson Domínguez continues to contribute in other ways. He’s still among the AL leaders in runs, stolen bases, walks, and RBIs.
Domínguez’s ability to impact games with his speed and plate discipline keeps him firmly in the Rookie of the Year conversation.
Roman Anthony
Roman Anthony of the Red Sox has just begun his MLB journey, but his potential is already evident. The 21-year-old, rated as a top prospect in baseball, recently blasted his first career home run.
With a clearer path to playing time following a major trade, Anthony’s blend of power and plate presence could make him a late-season force.
National League: A Shifting Landscape
In the National League, fresh faces are reshaping the competitive balance, as rising talents challenge veterans and redefine expectations across the league.
Drake Baldwin
Braves catcher Drake Baldwin remains the top NL rookie despite recent struggles. His batting average has dipped, but he still leads all NL rookies with a .287 average and a .471 slugging percentage.
Baldwin’s early-season surge kept him ahead in the race, although playing time concerns have surfaced due to veteran competition at his position. He continues to draw attention, including on FanDuel’s MLB player watch.
Hyeseong Kim
Hyeseong Kim has been a tactical weapon for the Dodgers. A versatile infielder and outfielder, Kim boasts a .382 average since his debut, second only to Wilson among rookies. His dynamic presence on the basepaths, with six steals in as many tries, has amplified his value. Though his starts have been carefully managed, Kim’s performance has been electric.
Agustín Ramírez
Marlins catcher Agustín Ramírez is delivering in the power department, leading all rookies with 10 home runs. His offensive production has been streaky, but he remains a dangerous hitter capable of changing games with one swing. His recent hot streak hints at more consistent production ahead.
Chad Patrick
Brewers right-hander Chad Patrick has been a constant in Milwaukee’s rotation. As the only NL rookie qualified for the ERA title, he leads in strikeouts and innings pitched among his rookie peers. Patrick’s consistency and durability have made him invaluable in a pitching staff that’s shuffled through options all season.
Matt Shaw
After a brief demotion earlier in the season, Cubs infielder Matt Shaw has returned with a purpose. Batting .299 since his recall, Shaw’s offensive resurgence has been paired with impressive speed on the bases. His seven stolen bases and sharp defensive play have added layers to his contribution.
Rising Threats and Changing Dynamics
The Rookie of the Year races are far from settled. Several recent call-ups have already started earning votes despite limited playing time. Names like Marcelo Mayer, Jac Caglianone, and Mick Abel are looming, ready to make their mark as the season progresses. Mayer and Caglianone in particular have generated buzz, both ranked within MLB’s top 10 prospects.
However, early struggles have plagued many of these highly touted newcomers. Rookies such as Dalton Rushing and Jordan Lawlar stumbled in their first stints, while others have battled injuries. The widening gap between Triple-A and the majors has only intensified these growing pains, making MLB debuts more daunting than ever.
A Season Defined by Growing Pains and Breakouts
The 2025 rookie class may not be historic in the traditional sense, but it’s anything but dull. Dominant performances from players like Jacob Wilson and Drake Baldwin have captivated fans, while unexpected contributors such as Carlos Narváez and Chad Patrick have added fresh intrigue. Meanwhile, recent call-ups inject unpredictability into the races.
While some of this year’s phenoms have stumbled, others are rising fast, eager to etch their names in baseball’s history books. The next few months promise even more twists in this unpredictable rookie campaign. Every game feels like an audition for the next great star.