MLB Rookie Class Impresses in 2025 Season
The rookie class in Major League Baseball has showcased remarkable talent and impressive statistics during the opening two months of the 2025 season.
This emerging talent is making waves throughout the league, with young players establishing themselves as key contributors. Evidence of their impact can be found in the first Rookie of the Year poll conducted by MLB.com.
A panel of 34 experts from MLB.com voted on their predictions for which rookie players will earn the coveted Rookie of the Year award in each league by season’s end. Their assessments considered current statistics and projections for the remainder of the season. While the race in the American League appears to be leaning toward a frontrunner, the National League race remains more competitive.
Votes were allocated on a 5-4-3-2-1 point system, with five points awarded for first-place votes and descending points for lower placements. The poll results reflect the current standings.
All statistics are accurate as of Sunday.
Standout Performers in the American League
Wilson has emerged as a standout player for the A’s, leading all qualified American League rookies with an .847 OPS and a .337 batting average. He also tops the rookie class with 60 hits, 25 runs, 10 doubles, and 26 RBIs, while tying for the lead in home runs with five.
Campbell began the season strong, hitting .313 with a .935 OPS in his first 28 games, which included 11 multi-hit games. His five home runs share the top spot among AL rookies, and his 15 RBIs are fourth, while his .763 OPS ranks third.
Smith has impressed as a pitcher for the White Sox, boasting a 2.05 ERA over nine starts—second among AL rookies. He has recorded 43 strikeouts and limited opponents to a .217 average, demonstrating consistent success throughout the season.
Competitive Rookies in the National League
In the National League, Smith-Shawver has leveraged his prior big league experiences to deliver an outstanding season, leading qualified rookies with a 2.33 ERA and 40 strikeouts in seven starts.
Baldwin has proven to be an outstanding addition to the Braves, securing more playing time with a .357 batting average, .400 on-base percentage, and .983 OPS, ranking him first among NL rookies. His five home runs are tied for second-most in the rookie class.
Ramírez has also been a force, registering a .914 OPS and leading NL rookies with 10 doubles through Sunday, in addition to tying for second with five home runs.
Rookies to Watch
With a Rookie of the Year already in the Acuña family, Luisangel Acuña is following in his brother Ronald’s footsteps. Recognized as NL Rookie of the Month, he has 29 hits and 10 stolen bases, ranking well among NL rookies.
Crews, a preseason favorite for the award, has had a slower start this season with a .191 average and .588 OPS. Nevertheless, he leads NL rookies with six home runs and 11 stolen bases.
Other notable players receiving votes include Roki Sasaki, Jordan Lawlar, and several others contributing to a tightly contested Rookie of the Year race.
