Best MLB Rookies 2026: Ranking the Best Rookies in Baseball So Far
Ahead of the 2026 Major League Baseball season, there was a lot of talk about this year’s rookie class being […]
Aaron Doster-Imagn Images Ahead of the 2026 Major League Baseball season, there was a lot of talk about this year’s rookie class being historic. Through the first month of the season, that’s proven to be the case with a deep class of emerging stars around MLB. Let’s dive into our rankings of the best MLB rookies this season as May approaches.
1. Kevin McGonigle, 3B, Detroit Tigers Katie Stratman-Imagn Images Entering play on April 28, Detroit Tigers third baseman Kevin McGonigle leads all position players in Baseball Reference’s Wins Above Replacement (2. 0) and he ranks third in FanGraphs’ WAR (1.
4). He’s been phenomenal at the plate, leading all rookies (100-plus plate appearances) in batting average (. 330) and wRC+ this month.
What also needs to be highlighted is the value he brings on the basepaths, demonstrated by a 100th percentile Baserunning Run Value (3). McGonigle is performing like an American League MVP candidate right now, so he’s the obvious pick to win AL Rookie of the Year. 2.
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