MLB Rookie of the Year Predictions 2026: Early Picks and Weekend Overreactions

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here . Chase DeLauter is on pace for 162 home runs!

Sal Stewart is batting a very sustainable . 700! Surely, they are locks to take home the American League and National League Rookie of the Year honors this fall.

Slow your roll. As impressive as they are, there's a chance that we're jumping the gun here. Below, I identify how the MLB Rookie of the Year odds markets have overreacted to these performances — and make some MLB Rookie of the Year predictions for guys offering real value in the respective ROY markets.

Rookie of the Year overreactions and early picks for 2026 Overreaction Early pick Chase DeLauter +350 Samuel Basallo +2000 Sal Stewart +450 Owen Caissie +1300 Early American League Rookie of the Year pick + overreaction AL Rookie of the Year overreaction: Crown Chase DeLauter already! Cleveland Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter hit two home runs on Opening Day against the Mariners and finished the four-game set by going 6-for-17 with four long balls. A 2-HR game for Chase DeLauter!