2025 MLB Rookie of the Year Awards: Top Finalists
Here’s a breakdown of the information about the Rookie of the Year candidates, based on the provided text:
Jacob Wilson (Likely a Strong Contender)
* Team: Not explicitly stated, but likely in the American League (AL)
* Position: Not specified, but a hitter.
* Stats:
* Led all Major League rookies in batting average and hits (151).
* Striking out just 39 times, his average of 13.41 plate appearances per strikeout was the best of any hitter in the AL.
* Experienced a slump (.380/.105) in nine games after a fractured right forearm (injured list from July 8th).
* Narrative: Considered a very strong candidate, possibly the easy pick in other years. His candidacy hinges on where he finishes in the voting relative to a teammate (Kurtz).If Wilson and Kurtz finish first and second in Rookie of the Year voting in either order, they would become just the ninth set of teammates to do so and the first in the AL since 1984.
Sean baldwin (Strong Contender – NL)
* Team: Atlanta Braves (NL)
* Position: Catcher
* Stats:
* Led all NL rookies in fWAR (3.1).
* .274 batting average (2nd among NL rookies).
* 19 home runs.
* .810 OPS.
* 125 Weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) – highest among NL rookies with 100+ games played.
* Narrative: Consistent production throughout the season. Quickly established himself as a valuable player, praised for his defense (pitch blocking, game-calling) despite allowing a high number of stolen bases. Had strong offensive months (April,May,and the final three months of the season).
Caleb Durbin (Finalist - NL)
* Team: Milwaukee Brewers (NL)
* Position: Infielder
* Stats:
*.256 batting average
* .334 on-base percentage
* .387 slugging percentage
* 11 home runs
* 53 RBIs
* 18 stolen bases (led NL rookies)
* Narrative: Stabilized third base for the Brewers. Manager Pat Murphy has followed his career for a while. didn’t have an .800+ OPS in any month of the season.
Cade Horton (Finalist – NL)
* Team: Not explicitly stated, but likely with the same team as Durbin (Milwaukee Brewers)
* Position: Pitcher
* Stats:
* 4.45 ERA
* 11 appearances (10 starts) before the All-Star break.
* Narrative: Had a less impactful season than the other finalists, with a higher ERA and fewer appearances.
In summary: Wilson and Baldwin appear to be the frontrunners, with Durbin and Horton as finalists. Baldwin’s consistent performance and Wilson’s notable stats make them the most likely candidates to win.