With a class headlined by the top two shortstop prospects, Konnor Griffin and Kevin McGonigle, the 2026 MLB rookie class is the most stacked fans have seen in recent memory. Other classes have had league-average to good players, but this group includes rookies who could be stars in Major League Baseball for a long time.
Starting with Cleveland Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter, who is tied for third in MLB in home runs. The lefty is batting .300 with a 1.059 OPS and has shown great plate discipline paired with serious pop, two skills that elite players possess. DeLauter plays in the outfield but profiles best as a player who could be a full-time designated hitter in the future with zero defensive runs saved so far.
Third baseman Sal Stewart started the season with his hair on fire, batting .309 with four home runs and a 1.035 OPS for the Cincinnati Reds. Stewart’s OPS ranks ninth in MLB. While Stewart debuted as a third baseman, he looks to be the Reds’ first baseman of the future. Stewart also has elite plate discipline, but unlike DeLauter, he strikes out just 14.5% of the time making him a tough out for opposing pitchers.
After making two starts for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, pitcher Nolan McLean yields a 2.70 ERA with a 0.84 walks plus hits per inning pitched for the New York Mets. Through three starts, McLean has proven that he can overtake teammate pitcher Freddy Peralta’s place as the team’s ace. McLean hurls six pitches, including his patented sinker and sweeper, and commands them all well.
McGonigle of the Detroit Tigers may not have the power that DeLauter and Stewart have, but he has shown elite contact skills batting .322 with a .920 OPS. The left-handed McGonigle also rakes against left-handed pitching, batting .571 with an impressive 1.196 OPS against lefties thus far.
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ Griffin was called up to the big leagues on April 3 and made an immediate impact, roping an RBI double in his debut. He is batting .138 with four RBIs. While his stats are not as eye-popping as his rookie counterparts, he has speed and power comparable to outfielder Mike Trout and shortstop Alex Rodriguez and is just 19 years old. Once he finds his footing, he is going to be one of the best players in MLB for a long time.
The emergence of these rookies has been fascinating to watch. Each player possesses a unique skill set that has provided an immediate impact for their respective ballclubs. By season’s end, fans may come to the conclusion that this rookie class has been the best of the 2020s.
