Unlike the AL Rookies, the NL Rookies have had a steady start to the season and leave the NL Rookie of the Year award wide open. The early favorites for NL Rookie of the Year, JJ Wetherholt, Sal Stewart, and Nolan McLean, have all been off to fine seasons, but are yet to blow away the competition. This very much leaves the NL Rookie of the Year award up for grabs, and these prospects could claim it.
2026 NL Rookie of the Year Award: Which Prospects Should Still Be Considered
Luis Lara – OF (Milwaukee Brewers)
Luis Lara was a newcomer on the Top 100 Prospects list just over a month and a half ago. Since then, he has done nothing but produce, shooting up nearly 30 spots on the list since late May. This has been in large part due to a power surge in Triple-A, where he has nearly matched his career total in home runs in just one season in Nashville. Since signing internationally, there has been no doubt that Lara would be more than capable of manning centerfield for years to come. This year, the bat has been hot and created an impact that wasn’t there before his big league call-up and a potential NL Rookie of the Year campaign.
Luis Lara marks yet another prospect who signed a contract extension before debuting. Lara brings another plus defender to the outfield in Milwaukee. The Brewers currently sit atop the NL Central by seven games and are looking to expand that lead. Lara’s defense and speed will impact the ball club immediately. His bat had nothing left to prove in Nashville, and it only made sense for him to get the call-up. If he can continue the tear he was on in Nashville, there’s no reason he can’t be in talks for NL Rookie of the Year at season’s end.
Jett Williams – MIF/OF (Milwaukee Brewers)
Jett Williams was the premier prospect in the Freddy Peralta trade last offseason for the Brewers. Williams has a short yet strong frame at 5-foot-7. However, the Top 100 prospect has struggled this season. He is hitting just .234 in Triple-A Nashville and has seen a significant drop in his doubles production. He has, however, a slightly lower strikeout rate on the season.
With Jett Williams’ struggles this season and a logjam of infielders already in Milwaukee, he is not likely to make it to the Cheese State this season. As a prospect, Williams’ best tool is his speed, and he has stolen over 20 bases this season in just 80 games played. Defensively, he has the arm and athleticism to take on any of the three positions up the middle behind the pitcher’s mound. At the plate, Williams can get pull-happy, resulting in some weak contact to the left side. However, Williams has shown power pull side and will secure plenty of extra-base hits thanks to his speed.
Joshua Baez – OF (St.Louis Cardinals)
The Cardinals signed Joshua Baez for over slot money in the 2021 MLB Draft after selecting him in the second round. Since then, he has had plenty of ups and downs, mostly regarding his ability to make consistent contact. However, his raw power has always been on full display and continues to do so this season. This season, he has already set a career high in home runs and continues to steal bases.
The Cardinals currently sit at third in the NL Central and could be looking to call up Baez to shore up a problematic outfield. Lars Nootbaar has seen a bit of a resurgence, but Victor Scott II is struggling in centerfield. Baez could bring an impact they are missing in the lineup and play a corner outfield spot or even center in a pinch. If Baez brings his power and stolen base ability to the bigs, he could have a real shot at the NL Rookie of the Year award.
Colorado’s Finest
Charlie Condon – 1B/OF (Colorado Rockies)
The Rockies took Charlie Condon in the 2024 MLB Draft with the third overall pick. Since then, his professional career has been off to a rocky start. This has been due to a laundry list of injuries that have hampered his development. However, 2026 has easily become the best year in his early career and his first fully healthy season. So far this season, he has set new season highs for home runs, triples, and steals just past the halfway mark of the season. Even if he doesn’t end up winning NL Rookie of the Year, he could very well win a Triple-A player of the year award.
Charlie Condon was taken out of Georgia as a power-over hit tool player who could still be at least an average hitter. Since then, he has had a broken hamate bone injury and a broken wrist derail the early part of his career. Condon still profiles as a prolific power hitter, which should only be more so the case given he’ll play half his games at Coors Field. Additionally, he has reduced his strikeout rate in previous minor league seasons and is even walking more. If this approach can deliver results in the big leagues, too, his power could propel him to an NL Rookie of the Year award.
Miracle Met?
Jonah Tong – RHP (New York Mets)
Jonah Tong led the minor leagues in strikeouts one season ago before getting called up to help the Mets push for a playoff spot last fall. This season, however, Tong has made just a few spot starts for the New York Mets, not nearly enough to compete for NL Rookie of the Year. Even down in Triple-A, he has struggled and not made a start since June 26th. In 14 starts, he has nearly a 6 ERA and a 1.5 WHIP.
Due to Jonah Tong’s unique delivery, he has always been surrounded by injury and reliever concerns. This season, these concerns have come to life more due to his struggles. However, Tong is very athletic and still boasts one of the best fastballs in the minors. This is largely due to his extremely high release point and the extension he gets on his pitches. Tong also throws a changeup, which he has used to dominate hitters. Unfortunately for Tong, the Mets have been one of the worst teams in baseball and thus have no reason to call him up to compete for the NL Rookie of the Year award.
Main Photo Credits: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
