Spring Training is just days away, and the baseball world is buzzing with anticipation about which young prospects will make their mark in the major leagues this season. The 2026 rookie class is shaping up to be one of the most talented in recent memory, with several prospects expected to compete for Rookie of the Year honors in both leagues. After tearing through the minor leagues with dominant performances, these players have earned their shot at the big stage, and many experts believe we’re about to witness something special.
At the top of the prospect food chain sits Konnor Griffin, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ shortstop and the consensus number one prospect in all of baseball. According to ESPN’s 2026 prospect rankings Griffin is, the best we’ve seen in a number of years, and he has all the tools to make an immediate impact. The 19-year-old had a phenomenal 2025 campaign, climbing from Single-A Bradenton all the way to Double-A Altoona while posting a combined .333/.415/.527 slash line with 21 home runs and an incredible 65 stolen bases. His all-around skill set — combining contact ability, power, speed, and defense — makes him a legitimate threat to win the National League Rookie of the Year. If he gets a long look at shortstop in spring training and makes the opening day roster, he could be the early favorite in the NL.
The Detroit Tigers, meanwhile, have two prospects generating significant buzz heading into spring training. Kevin McGonigle, the shortstop ranked number two overall in baseball, is being tabbed by some as a potential AL Rookie of the Year winner. Jeff Passan over at ESPN made a bold prediction picking McGonigle, always bet on talent. The 21-year-old put on an absolute clinic in the minors last season, slashing .305/.408/.583 across three minor league levels before winning the Arizona Fall League MVP with a .362 average and 1.210 OPS. McGonigle’s combination of plate discipline and power potential makes him dangerous, and if the Tigers can get him up to the majors and he plays well enough to stick around, he could very well be in the ROTY conversation.
Alongside McGonigle in Detroit is Max Clark, the outfielder ranked tenth overall by MLB Pipeline. Clark was the third overall pick in the 2023 draft and stands out for his dynamic athleticism and four tools that grade as plus or better. The 21-year-old hit .271 with 14 home runs and 94 walks across 111 games in 2025, showcasing the kind of elite patience and power development that scouts dream about. His 70-grade speed and Gold Glove-caliber defense at center field round out a profile that makes him a genuine five-tool candidate. If Clark debuts in 2026 and maintains his dominance, he could easily find himself in the rookie of the year conversation in the National League.
On the pitching side, Trey Yesavage is already generating serious ROTY buzz despite having made his major league debut. The Toronto Blue Jays’ right-hander is currently the favorite to win the AL Rookie of the Year, with opening betting odds of +320 according to Sportsbook Review. Yesavage already left an impression on MLB hitters and postseason observers alike, showcasing a devastating splitter alongside a riding four-seamer and sharp slider. The fact that he dazzled in the postseason for Toronto means he has credibility heading into spring training that other prospects simply don’t have.
The National League side features Nolan McLean, the New York Mets pitcher who opened at +350 odds to win the NL Rookie of the Year. McLean made eight outstanding starts down the stretch for the Mets with a 2.06 ERA and an impressive 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings. He was remarkably close to losing rookie eligibility, but just two innings short, he’ll retain it for the upcoming season and should be a factor in the race.
Other names worth monitoring include Travis Bazzana of the Cleveland Guardians, who was the top pick in the 2024 draft and brings a power-and-patience approach to the table, and Bubba Chandler, the Pirates’ right-handed pitcher ranked eleventh overall. According to MLB Pipeline, the top 17 prospects on their list have the potential to be Rookies of the Year, many for likely playoff contenders, which suggests that opportunity and team success will play a role in determining who ultimately wins the award.
Here’s the thing, folks: The beauty of this year’s rookie class is the depth of talent across multiple positions and skill sets. We have elite shortstops, dynamic outfielders, promising young catchers, and dominant young pitchers all potentially debuting or establishing themselves in the majors this year.
With that… Spring training will be crucial for these prospects to show they’re ready for the next level, and over the next few weeks, we’ll get a clearer picture of which ones have legitimate championship aspirations and which ones will be part of the Rookie of the Year conversation when the dust settles in November.
If you cannot play with them, then root for them!