Welcome to the year of the rookie in baseball, as we got our first look at some of the new young talent breaking onto the scene, and we might be in for one of the most fun rookie classes we’ve seen in a long time.
Three top rookies went yard on Opening Day, and a few others had multi-hit days as well. Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter hit two home runs in his regular-season MLB debut, becoming only the sixth player in MLB history to reach that milestone.
Cleveland has been searching for a corner outfielder with pop since Manny Ramirez left in 2001. They might have found their replacement in DeLauter, and nobody is happier about that than Jose Ramirez. He finally has some protection surrounding him in the lineup with DeLauter. You could have bet on DeLauter to win Rookie of the Year at 16/1 last week, but after a historic performance, you’ll only get him at 5/1.
Kevin McGonigle
He’s not the only superstar rookie in the AL Central, as Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle had himself a memorable debut, going 4-for-5. His four-hit day was two more than any other Tiger in their debut over the last 30 years.
McGonigle might have to move around the Tigers’ infield early on this season, but if he can provide any consistency with the bat, they won’t be able to take him out of the lineup. Gleyber Torres is locked in at second base, and with Trey Sweeney starting the season in Toledo, McGonigle will only fight with Colt Keith, Javier Baez, and Zach McKinstry for ABs. That trio had a productive 2025, though their second halves were cold. I don’t see how the AL ROY favorite doesn’t beat out that group.
Carter Jensen and Munetaka Murakami
Feb 20, 2026; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) hits a single against the Chicago Cubs in the third inning at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images Kansas City and Chicago also have fun rookies as well. Carter Jensen debuted in 2025, playing 20 games, and over that stretch, he slashed .300/.391/.550. Jensen still qualifies as a rookie this year, and if he can provide league-average defense to pair with his bat, he will put up enough WAR to be in the conversation for ROY. Getting to bet him at +800 feels like very solid value.
Munetaka Murakami isn’t really a rookie at this point, but he is by MLB standards. The 26-year-old had played professionally in Japan for the last eight years and is coming off a 24-home run season. He’s hit over 50 before in a season, and will immediately be one of the best hitters in a weak White Sox lineup. He’s 10/1 to win ROY, and it’s a bet I’d stay away from. The White Sox will most likely struggle again in 2026, and voters will be more inclined to give the award to a player on a team with more success, and if they are more of a “true rookie”.
Walker Jenkins
Lastly, Minnesota’s best rookie is still in AAA, but he’s still +4500 to win ROY. Walker Jenkins is one of the top prospects in the sport, and I think he’s MLB-ready right now. If you’re looking for a long shot, he’s the guy. I know the Twins wanted to get another year of control over Jenkins by keeping him in AAA longer, but I don’t think there’s anything for him left to prove down in St. Paul.
The AL Central is finally turning into a competent division, and this rookie class will make their games must-watch in 2026.
