Seven Players Target 2027 Rookie Honor
After Kevin McGonigle and Sal Stewart won the 2026 awards, analysts project Kade Anderson, Josue De Paula, and others as front-runners for next year.
By Jack Weber ·
Kevin McGonigle of the Tigers and Sal Stewart of the Reds received the 2026 Rookie of the Year awards on Monday night. McGonigle led the American League voting throughout the season, while Stewart beat out Carson Benge of the Mets and JJ Wetherholt of the Cardinals in the National League. With those awards settled, attention shifts to the class of 2027, which features seven distinct candidates.
Kade Anderson of the Mariners is the early favorite in the American League. The left-hander made his debut in late August 2026 and threw 129 innings across levels, recording 167 strikeouts and 22 walks. Because he did not exceed the rookie service time limits, he remains eligible for the 2027 award. Analysts note that Anderson is projected to hold a rotation spot on Opening Day, a role that could strengthen his case for the honor.
Walker Jenkins of the Twins also remains rookie-eligible despite a late August debut. The outfielder slashed .226/.293/.393 in 26 major league games last season. He turns 22 in February and is expected to receive a long runway to adjust to the big leagues. Observers compare his potential trajectory to that of Carson Benge, who struggled early but excelled late in the 2026 season.
Arias of the Red Sox is another key prospect. The 20-year-old shortstop posted a .323/.400/.557 line with 25 home runs in the minors during 2026. The Red Sox did not call him up in September, but he is expected to take over the position in April when Trevor Story enters the final year of his contract.
In the National League, Josue De Paula of the Dodgers stands out for his plate discipline. He recorded 13 walks and only five strikeouts in 11 games, plus four pinch-hitting appearances in the postseason. His main obstacle is playing time, as Shohei Ohtani, Andy Pages, and Kyle Tucker currently occupy the lineup. The Dodgers would need to move Teoscar Hernández to give De Paula regular at-bats.
Jesús Made of the Brewers, the World Series champions, is 19 years old and the consensus top prospect in the organization. He will likely start the season in Triple-A before a promotion to Milwaukee in May or June. This delayed debut may put him at a disadvantage in the voting. Salas of the Padres is also a candidate. At 20 years and 121 days, he became the youngest catcher in postseason history this year. He is expected to become the starting backstop for San Diego next season.
International signings will add further depth to the group. Teruaki Sato, Japan’s Triple Crown winner, brings left-handed power with 30-home run potential. Kaima Taira, a 5-foot-8 pitcher who stands 220 pounds, offers a unique release point and velocity. Both players qualify for the award regardless of their age or experience in Japan.
