2026 MLB: Potential Breakout Stars and R.O.Y. Candidates

With Spring Training about to get underway and the start of the 2026 MLB season right around the corner, here’s a look at five rookies expected to be serious contenders for the respective American and National League Rookie of the Year awards (odds courtesy BetMGM).

1. Trey Yesavage, Toronto Blue Jays, American League (+350)

Right-hander Trey Yesavage enters 2026 as the leading American League Rookie of the Year favorite at +350 on BetMGM. After a meteoric rise through the minors in 2025 and a memorable late-season debut with the Toronto Blue Jays — including record-setting postseason strikeouts — Yesavage has swing-and-miss stuff that plays at the highest level. Locked into a rotation spot with a contender, his combination of a mid-90s fastball, sharp breaking pitches, and strikeout upside give him the profile of an ace in the making and plenty of votes on the ROY ballot.

2. Munetaka Murakami, Chicago White Sox, American League (+400)

Imported from Nippon Professional Baseball and already drawing plenty of attention in the early Spring, Munetaka Murakami is one of the most intriguing non-pitcher rookie candidates. At +400 on BetMGM for AL ROY, he offers proven power with a career 50+ home run season overseas. His eye-catching bat and track record of elite slugging make him a candidate to immediately impact big-league run production — especially in a lineup that needs right-handed thump. If his NPB success translates smoothly to MLB pitching, Murakami could find himself near the top of AL Rookie of the Year voting late in the season. 

On the National League side, Nolan McLean is the early favorite at +350 on BetMGM to win NL Rookie of the Year. The Mets’ right-hander flashed elite stuff in a brief 2025 audition, dominating with a low ERA and elite strikeout rates in limited innings. Transitioning into a full starting role, McLean’s sinker/curveball combo and ground-ball prowess give him a strong case to lead NL rookies in wins, strikeouts, and overall impact. 

JJ Wetherholt is right on McLean’s heels in NL Rookie of the Year odds, also +400 on some books. A high-impact hitter with a patient approach, Wetherholt projects as an everyday infielder who can contribute both average and power. If he nails down a starting job early and replicates his minor-league mega-on-base skills in the big leagues, Wetherholt could be the bat-first candidate that voters rally behind — especially in what projects to be a tight NL race.

One of baseball’s most exciting prospect stories belongs to Konnor Griffin, who has climbed into NL Rookie of the Year conversation with +600 odds. Although only 19 and with limited Double-A experience, Griffin’s minor-league performance last year (including strong power and rare speed) has analysts buzzing. If Pittsburgh gives him consistent MLB at-bats, his dynamic offensive profile and athleticism make him a legitimate breakthrough candidate and a long-range ROY threat. 

American League

Trey Yesavage (RHP) — +350
Munetaka Murakami (1B) — +400
Kazuma Okamoto (1B/DH) — +400
Carter Jensen (C) — +500
Tatsuya Imai (RHP) — +600

National League

Nolan McLean (RHP) — +350
JJ Wetherholt (INF) — +400
Konnor Griffin (INF/OF) — +600
Sal Stewart (1B/OF) — +800
Bubba Chandler (RHP) — +1000