2026 Rookies of the Year: Nolan McLean and Munetaka Murakami are setting the pace 
The first Rookie of the Year poll of the season has landed, and one thing is already clear: the 2026 class is packed with talent. Thirty-nine experts have weighed in to identify the early favourites, while keeping an eye on the rookies who could catch fire before the final stretch. Two names are out in front for now, but this field is so fierce that nothing is close to settled yet.
National League: Nolan McLean, the Mets’ crown jewel
No great shock here: Nolan McLean leads the way in the National League with 23 first-place votes. After a dazzling cameo last year, the Mets right-hander is looking every inch a future ace. He tops all qualified rookies in strikeouts (57) and owns a tiny 0.90 WHIP. In a grim season for Queens, he has been one of the few bright spots. Close behind, Sal Stewart of the Reds and JJ Wetherholt of the Cardinals are making a strong case that the Central Division is the real hotbed of young talent this year, mixing raw power with premium defence.
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American League: Murakami hits like a steamroller
In the American League, Munetaka Murakami is living up to the hype. The White Sox slugger leads all MLB rookies in home runs (15), slugging percentage (.556) and OPS (.920). But he’s more than just a bat in the middle of the order. His plate discipline, backed by 30 walks, makes him a nightmare for opposing pitchers. His closest challenger, Kevin McGonigle of the Tigers, plays a different game but is every bit as effective, leading the pack in on-base percentage (.395) and hits (43).
Surprises are shaking up the pecking order
The rankings have also thrown up a few intriguing twists. In Toronto, Kazuma Okamoto has basically turned his season around simply by changing his stance in the batter’s box, posting a 1.049 OPS since the tweak. In Cleveland, the Guardians have a dangerous one-two punch: Chase DeLauter, who is hitting .404 over his last 15 games, and Parker Messick, the only pitcher anywhere near McLean at the top of the numbers. With so many real contenders in the mix, the race for the Jackie Robinson trophy looks set to stay hot right through October.
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