Top Five American League 2025 Rookie of the Year Candidates to Chase
Barreling down on 162 games, the Rookie of the Year race in the American League is heating up. Fanbases will back their potential ROY candidates in the stands and in the hobby regardless of the outcome, but there can only be one winner that will send card values soaring.
There have been a lot of strong candidates in the AL during the 2025 season for ROY but five are breaking ahead of the pack for collectors to chase.
Some players that have had strong seasons or have impressed in flashes but are falling behind include the Red Sox C Carlos Narvaez, Royals RF Jac Caglianone, Rays LF Jake Mangum and CF Chandler Simpson, and White Sox RHP Mike Vasil. Among this group, Caglianone is a power hitter who could get hot at the right time. His stats over the last 30 don’t suggest that it will happen, but if the proverbial light bulb goes off, he could impress with big numbers down the stretch.
The Top ROY Candidates
Roman Anthony: Boston Red Sox
Going into the 2025 season, the hype on Boston RF Anthony was tremendous. Considered the top prospect in MLB, Anthony started slowly but has been adjusting and is seemingly getting better each time on the diamond. Over his last 30 games, he’s hitting .295 with two homers and 11 runs driven in. The excitement in the Red Sox organization on Anthony’s talent can be found in the eight-year, $130 million extension, given on Aug. 6.
Noah Cameron: Kansas City Royals
Roughed up early in the win-loss column, the left-handed pitcher has settled in over his last seven starts posting a 5-1 record with a 2.36 ERA in 42 innings pitched. The first glance at his 7-5 record doesn’t scream Rookie of the Year, but he’s working into ace form for the Royals.
Jasson Dominguez: New York Yankees
The Yankees’ leftfielder has been streaky in his first full MLB season. Hitting .257 with nine dingers and 40 RBI, Dominguez will probably trail off the pack among voters. After hitting .233 over his last 30 with just three home runs, he started hitting for better average in his last seven games batting .278, but without any homers and with just three RBI.
Jacob Wilson: Athletics
A month ago, the A’s shortstop was the leader in the clubhouse for ROY honors. In mid-July, Wilson was second in the AL in batting average at .332 behind New York’s Aaron Judge. Hit by a pitch on July 8 against the Atlanta Braves, Wilson tried to play through what was initially thought to be a contusion on his left forearm but is now diagnosed as a fractured forearm. Wilson’s attempt to play through the injury dropped his batting average to .312 on the season (fourth overall) after batting .191 over his last 30 before being placed on the IR on July 29. The big question, can Wilson return in time to keep fighting for the ROY award?
Nick Kurtz: Athletics
As Wilson was slumping due to injury, another A’s infielder was taking off – Nick Kurtz. However one picks through the stats, the first baseman has been on fire posting impressive numbers. Over his last 30: .411 BA, 11 HR, 27 RBI, .507 OBP, and .839 SLG. The former Demon Deacon is reaching legendary status after playing in just 32 minor league games and then going 6-for-6 on July 25 against the Houston Astros blasting four homers. Kurtz recorded 19 total bases in the game tying Shawn Green’s record set in May 2002 against the Milwaukee Brewers.
For the season, Kurtz is batting .306 with 25 home runs and 66 RBI.
Oakland?