The AL Rookie of the Year Race

As the 2025 MLB season intensifies, the competition for the American League Rookie of the Year is brimming with thrilling prospects. From formidable hitters to skillful pitchers, these five rookies are beginning to leave their mark on the league. Here’s an examination of the leading contenders thus far.

1. Jacob Wilson, SS, Oakland Athletics Stats: .341 AVG, 5 HR, 58 H

Jacob Wilson has emerged as a significant positive for the Athletics this season. He leads all AL rookies in both batting average and hits by a substantial margin. Renowned for his exceptional ability to make contact, Wilson has also showcased unexpected power, hitting 5 home runs and tying for the rookie lead. According to OptaSTATS, he reached the milestones of 40 singles and 20 RBIs faster than any rookie in American League history. He currently stands as the frontrunner for the prestigious award.

2. Kristian Campbell, 2B, Boston Red Sox Stats: .240 AVG, 5 HR, 15 RBI

Kristian Campbell occupies the cleanup position for the Red Sox and was honored as the 2024 Minor League Player of the Year. He commenced the season with remarkable intensity, earning the title of AL Rookie of the Month in April. Although he has recently tapered off in performance, he still finds himself tied for the rookie home run lead. Recent updates indicate that he is learning to play first base to enhance his defensive versatility, which may help ensure his offensive presence remains in the lineup and elevate his value moving forward.

3. Jasson Dominguez, OF, New York Yankees Stats: .236 AVG, 5 HR, 4 SB

Jasson Dominguez contributes both power and speed to the Yankees’ lineup. He is also tied for the AL rookie home run lead with 5 home runs and has successfully stolen 4 bases. A standout performance that included a three-homer game substantially boosted his statistics, but he will require greater consistency to remain competitive in this race. Nevertheless, his potential is unmistakable. As he continues to gain experience, the Yankees are hopeful that his impressive tools will begin to translate into more reliable production, making him a candidate for a breakout season as the year progresses.

4. Tomoyuki Sugano, SP, Baltimore Orioles Stats: 4 Wins, 3.08 ERA, 29 K

Sugano is not your average rookie. At the age of 34, he joined the Orioles following a distinguished 12-year career in Japan. He made the transition to MLB after being awarded MVP in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) Central League in 2024, where he excelled as the league's top pitcher. The seasoned player has brought a sense of reliability to Baltimore’s rotation, leading AL rookies in both wins and innings pitched. His impressive 3.08 ERA demonstrates that he is deserving of recognition in this contest, despite his advance in age.

5. Chandler Simpson, OF, Tampa Bay Rays Stats: .292 AVG, 8 SB, 26 H

Speedster Chandler Simpson has ignited the Rays’ lineup since his promotion on April 18. He currently shares the AL rookie lead in stolen bases with 8 and is enjoying a 5-game hitting streak. Although he has participated in fewer games, his impact has been immediate and significant. Do not underestimate his speed; a single can swiftly transform into him reaching third base before you know it.

Who Will Take the Crown?

The AL Rookie of the Year race is shaping up to be an exceedingly close contest. Jacob Wilson currently heads the group with his exceptional batting performance, yet with formidable hitters like Campbell and Dominguez, a seasoned veteran such as Sugano, and the dynamic speed of Simpson in the mix, the outcome remains uncertain. This competition is far from concluding.