Who Will Be the National League's Top Rookie?

Baseball fans across the country are getting excited as a fresh crop of talented rookies prepares to make their mark on the National League. This year's class features international superstars, college standouts, and homegrown talents all competing for the prestigious Rookie of the Year award. While predicting baseball success is never easy, these five newcomers have the skills, opportunity, and potential to make a major impact in their first full MLB seasons.

1. Roki Sasaki, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers

When Roki Sasaki takes the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers this spring, baseball fans everywhere will be watching with anticipation. The 25-year-old Japanese superstar has finally decided to bring his incredible talents to Major League Baseball after dominating the Japan Pacific League. Ranked as MLB.com's #1 overall prospect, Sasaki arrives with more hype than perhaps any international pitcher since his countryman Shohei Ohtani. The Dodgers, fresh off their World Series championship, believe Sasaki can step right into their starting rotation and continue their winning ways.

What makes Sasaki so special? His fastball has been clocked at an eye-popping 102.5 mph, tying Ohtani's record for the fastest pitch ever thrown by a Japanese pitcher. His splitter might be even more impressive, dropping off the table and leaving batters swinging at air. If Sasaki's skills translate immediately to the majors, he could become the rare pitcher to claim the Rookie of the Year award and possibly even enter the Cy Young conversation.

2. Matt Shaw, 3B, Chicago Cubs

LOOK OUT, WRIGLEY FIELD! The Cubs have an exciting new third baseman, and his name is Matt Shaw. The 23-year-old third baseman has proven himself in just two seasons of minor league play after being selected in the first round of the 2023 draft out of Maryland. His statistics from last season speak volumes about his potential, a .298 batting average with 21 home runs and 31 stolen bases split between Double-A and Triple-A. This combination of skills demonstrates his rare ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game: hitting for average, power, and displaying above-average speed on the basepaths.

Currently ranked as the #18 prospect according to MLB.com, Shaw brings a versatile skill set that has generated significant excitement among the Cubs faithful heading into the 2025 campaign. Cubs fans have been awaiting another playoff run, and Shaw could be the vital addition that helps propel them back to October baseball. If he can translate his minor league success to the majors, Shaw may find himself in serious contention for Rookie of the Year honors by season's end.

3. Dylan Crews, OF, Washington Nationals

Dylan Crews strolls to the plate with the calm confidence of someone who knows he belongs. The 23-year-old Washington Nationals outfielder carries with him the pedigree of a champion, having won a College World Series at LSU alongside pitching phenom Paul Skenes. Selected in the first round out of college baseball's premier program, Crews got his first taste of the majors last season, appearing in 31 games for the rebuilding Nationals. While his initial showing, a .218 average with 3 home runs and 12 stolen bases, didn't set the world on fire, flashes of his five-tool potential were evident to those watching closely.

The biggest question for 2025 is whether Crews can make the adjustments needed after his introduction to big league pitching. His college background and natural baseball instincts suggest he can improve upon last year's numbers and showcase the all-around skills that made him such a highly touted prospect.

The Nationals are banking on Crews becoming a cornerstone of their rebuild, and this full season will be his chance to prove them right.

4. Drake Baldwin, C, Atlanta Braves

Taking on the role of a rookie catcher in Major League Baseball is one of the hardest jobs in sports. Drake Baldwin has to handle this big challenge as he steps up for the Atlanta Braves.

The 24-year-old left-handed hitting catcher will start behind the plate on Opening Day. Baldwin finished last season in the minors with a solid number, a .276 average and 16 home runs. That's pretty good for a catcher, but hitting is only part of his job.

Ranked as the #61 prospect by MLB.com, Baldwin might not get the attention of other rookies. Catchers often develop more slowly because they have so much to learn, calling pitches, controlling the running game, and then finding energy to hit too.

The Braves believe Baldwin's all-around defensive game and mature approach will help him succeed, even if it takes some time for all the pieces to come together at the major league level.

5. Jordan Lawlar, SS, Arizona Diamondbacks

Though Jordan Lawlar won't begin the season on the Diamondbacks' Opening Day roster, many expect the talented shortstop to make his mark on the major leagues before long. The 22-year-old prospect is positioned for a midseason promotion that could significantly impact Arizona's fortunes in 2025.

Selected sixth overall in the draft and currently ranked as the #10 prospect in baseball according to MLB.com, Lawlar possesses the rare combination of skills that scouts value highly. His minor league performance has showcased impressive power potential (over 20 home runs) along with exceptional speed (more than 30 stolen bases).

With playoff aspirations in 2025, the Diamondbacks view Lawlar as an important piece of their competitive puzzle. The main question remaining is when the organization will determine he's ready to contribute at the highest level.

Looking Forward

As the 2025 season chugs along, these talented rookies represent the future of National League baseball. From Sasaki's blazing fastball to Shaw's all-around game, from Crews' championship pedigree to Baldwin's defensive skills and Lawlar's exciting potential, this rookie class has something for every baseball fan to get excited about.

Some of these players will exceed expectations right away, while others might need more time to adjust to the big leagues. That's what makes the Rookie of the Year race so interesting to follow throughout the season. Will the award go to an established international star like Sasaki, a college standout like Shaw, or could a midseason call-up like Lawlar storm onto the scene and surprise everyone?

One thing is certain, National League fans are in for a treat watching these young players begin what could be memorable major league careers. The race for NL Rookie of the Year is wide open, and we can't wait to see who emerges as the class of 2025.