MLB Awards Watch: Top 5 AL ROY candidates through May

Mar 14, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Joey Gallo (70) walks to the dugout against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

With two full months now in the books, the American League Rookie of the Year race remains shrouded in uncertainty. There is no Kris Bryant or Joc Pederson here capturing all the headlines. Instead, there is a collection of solid performers, quiet contributors and high-upside prospects still working to show their potential on a consistent basis.

There are two new names on the list compared to April’s rankings. And it’s a good bet that trend will continue with several intriguing rookies being added to the mix recently. Rangers pitcher Chi Chi Gonzalez just took a no-hitter into the sixth inning of his major league debut. Red Sox outfielder Rusney Castillo received his call-up about a week and a half ago. Slugging third base prospect Joey Gallo is set to join the Rangers tonight. There’s still plenty of time for these and other rookies to make their mark and lay claim to the RoY award.

With no clear frontrunner at this time and plenty of variables to consider for an assortment of players, this should be a compelling MLB awards race to monitor throughout the course of the 2015 season.

Honorable mentions: RP Carson Smith (SEA), OF Delino DeShields Jr. (TEX)

Next: Number 5