The AL Rookie of the Year Race

As the 2025 MLB season heats up, the American League Rookie of the Year race is filled with exciting young talent. From powerful hitters to crafty pitchers, these five rookies are making their mark on the league. Here’s a look at the top contenders so far.

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

Jacob Wilson has been a huge bright spot for the Athletics this season. He leads all AL rookies in batting average and hits by a wide margin. Known for his elite contact skills, Wilson has added some surprising power with 5 home runs, tying for the rookie lead. According to OptaSTATS, he reached 40 singles and 20 RBIs faster than any rookie in American League history. He’s the current leader in the clubhouse for the award.

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

Kristian Campbell bats cleanup for the Red Sox and was the 2024 Minor League Player of the Year. He started the season on fire, winning AL Rookie of the Month in April. Though he has cooled off recently, he remains tied for the rookie home run lead. Recent reports say he’s learning to play first base to add to his defensive versatility, which could help keep his bat in the lineup and boost his value moving forward.

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

Jasson Dominguez brings power and speed to the Yankees lineup. He's also tied for the AL rookie home run lead with 5 and has added 4 stolen bases. A three-homer game gave his numbers a boost, but he’ll need more consistency to stay in the race. Still, his talent is undeniable. As he gets more reps, the Yankees hope his tools begin to translate into steadier production, making him a potential breakout candidate later in the year.

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

Sugano is no typical rookie. At 34 years old, he joined the Orioles after a successful 12-year career in Japan. He decided to come pitch in the MLB after winning MVP in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) Central League in 2024, where he dominated as the league’s best pitcher. The veteran has brought stability to Baltimore’s rotation, leading AL rookies in wins and innings pitched. His 3.08 ERA is impressive and shows he belongs in this race despite his age.

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

Speedster Chandler Simpson has been a spark plug for the Rays since his call-up on April 18. He’s tied for the AL rookie lead in stolen bases with 8 and is currently on a 5-game hit streak. Even though he has fewer games played, his impact has been immediate. Don’t blink when he gets on base, because a single can quickly turn into him standing on third base.

Who Will Take the Crown?

The AL Rookie of the Year race is shaping up to be a tight one. Jacob Wilson leads the pack with his standout hitting, but with powerful bats like Campbell and Dominguez, a savvy veteran like Sugano, and the electric speed of Simpson, anything can happen. This race is far from over.