MLB: Top 5 contenders for the American League Rookie of the Year

The American League Rookie of the Year honor is a magnificent accomplishment. Winning this award means you join the ranks of MLB legends such as Mark McGwire, Nomar Garciapara, Cal Ripken Jr., and Derek Jeter. Also, the prospect who wins the Rookie of the Year earns his team an additional draft pick.

Let’s look at the top five MLB candidates for the American League Rookie of the Year Award

Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles

Gunnar Henderson is the top overall ranked MLB prospect, so it only makes sense he would be the odds-on favorite for the American League Rookie of the Year.

The Orioles are coming up after snapping a five-year losing streak in 2022, and Henderson should be the spark that does it. Henderson has a considerably high ceiling due to his power, defense, and versatility. Check out this dinger he hit against Baltimore’s rival, the Boston Red Sox.

Henderson has all the tools and intangibles to be the guy who saves baseball in Baltimore. However, his spring training performance has been lackluster, with a .229 average and only one homer. This is why he is ranked number five on this list.

Hunter Brown, Houston Astros

At number 4, we have Houston Astros hurler Hunter Brown. He has been dealing with some back tightness but, assuming all goes well in his simulated game this week, he will be in Houston’s Opening Day rotation. Pitching for the Astros, MLB’s top team and perennial World Series contender, puts him in a great place to make a name for himself. He is ranked 43rd on MLB’s prospect list and frequently compared to 2022 Cy Young winner Justin Verlander. With a 1.11 WHIP and 10 strikeouts in 9.0 innings this spring, he may be the next Verlander, but his 5.00 ERA has folks doubting that statement.

Josh Jung, Texas Rangers

Next up on our list is Josh Jung, the top prospect for the Texas Rangers and 34th-ranked prospect by MLB.com. Texas manager Bruce Bochy has not named Jung the Opening Day starting third baseman yet, but it is all but assumed. Bochy said of Jung, “He’s not a surprise when you talk about guys that grab your attention. Defensive, offensive, man it was impressive [Sunday against Seattle]. He shanked a ball foul down the right-field line, the next pitch is up and not many hitters can catch up with that pitch. He hit it out.”

Hitting .319 with eight runs this spring, he is all locked in to make a run for the ROY. However, his 28 games with the Rangers in 2022 is where the doubts creep in. He hit .202 in 98 at-bats after being called up. Although competing with his younger brother, Jace Jung of the Tigers, for the award should be an engrossing storyline this year, I’ll still bet on the big bro.

Anthony Volpe, New York Yankees

The Yankees’ next Derek Jeter, Anthony Volpe, is number two on the top five contenders for the American League Rookie of the Year honors. Volpe has earned the starting shortstop job for the Yankees with his unbelievable spring play.

The Yankees need a big-heart shot in the arm as they attempt to chase their 28th title. Volpe’s spring slash line of .302/.413/.623, three home runs, and five stolen bases makes him fit for the heralded position.

Now that Volpe has made the Opening Day roster, he is the youngest starting prospect since Jeter. It’s a heavy burden to put on a young player in that atmosphere; that’s the only reason he ends up at number two on the list.

Masataka Yoshida, Boston Red Sox

The top contender for the American League Rookie of the Year award is everyone’s World Baseball Classic superstar, Masataka Yoshida, otherwise known as the Macho Man. Yoshida is only technically a rookie in the MLB because he has been tearing it up in Japan for the past seven years.

He is known as Macho Man and is an incredible all-around player. His elite defense, work ethic and leadership, high average, and surprising power and speed were displayed for WBC-winning Samurai Japan this spring. The four-time Pacific League Best Nine Award, two-time Pacific League batting champion, NPB Home Run Derby winner, and All-World Baseball Classic team make him the number one choice for the ROY winner.