Way-too-early best bets: AL Rookie of the Year (December 2025)

Futures markets have opened up for the 2026 season, and getting in early has historically led to the best values - at least among the long shots - in previous MLB seasons.

Last year's American League winner was Nick Kurtz, winning the award unanimously after hitting 36 home runs and posting an OPS over 1.000, which is absurd for a rookie to do. But at this time last year, his odds were floating around the +7000 to +10000 range.

Let's see if we can piece out who the best bets for AL Rookie of the Year are at their current odds ranges to get you ahead of the curve.

All odds via DraftKings Sportsbook, as of December 5th, 2025.

Trey Yesavage, SP, Toronto Blue Jays (+190)

Trey Yesavage (Blue Jays #1 prospect and #26 overall per MLB Pipeline) is the early favorite, and for good reason. He looked great in his late-season call-up last year, striking out 16 batters in 14 innings with a 3.21 ERA - albeit with an xERA over 4. A former first rounder from the 2024 draft, Trey Yesavage is all but assured a back-end rotation spot throughout the 2026 season. On volume alone, he has an excellent shot at winning the award - and he's backed by a solid Blue Jays offense that can bolster his win totals, too.

Of course, there's downside risk here, too: He's never pitched over 100 innings in any minor league or collegiate season, so expecting him to go for a full season workload is unlikely - and he's not the type of talent that can blow everyone away with his stuff.

I think I'd like the price to be better, but again, to me he makes the most sense as the clear frontrunner right now.

Chase DeLauter, OF, Cleveland Guardians (+900)

Chase DeLauter (Guardians #2 prospect, #58 overall per MLB Pipeline) didn't receive the normal September call-up for players of his caliber, but he did make his debut last season, when manager Stephen Vogt called him up to play in two postseason games. That level of confidence in a player goes a long way. DeLauter went 1-6 in those two games, including drawing a walk. His skill set allows him to play anywhere in the outfield, making him a versatile bench piece who can easily develop into a starter with a strong spring training.

DeLauter has battled a ton of injuries through his collegiate and minor league career. Overcoming that hurdle might be the biggest obstacle to one of the more well-rounded prospects that may see the field this season.

Colt Emerson, IF, Seattle Mariners (+2200)

Seattle's #1 prospect and #9 overall per MLB Pipeline, Colt Emerson shot up the minors last season, starting in High A and climbing all the way up to AAA, playing just six games there last season. Now the plan is for him to compete, if not win, the starting 3B job for Seattle this season.

Highly regarded as a player with a high hit tool, albeit without a ton of raw power nor speed, Colt could easily force his way into playing time with a strong spring. There's questions of where he's going to play; obviously I mentioned 3B being the biggest opening right now, but he's a natural SS and may not have the arm strength to stick there long term.

Regardless, if he hits, he'll play, and if he plays, he can put up the well-rounded batting numbers to win this award.

Carson Williams, SS, Tampa Bay Rays (+5500)

Carson Williams has the most MLB experience of the four listed here, having 99 ABs already under his belt. It didn't go well, to the tune of a .172/.219/.354/.573 line. Strikeouts were his major issue - 44 of them in 99 ABs just isn't going to cut it. But he did also have five home runs and two stolen bases in that time, which confirms that he has the skills to do both if he improves on his contact and plate discipline.

The Rays #1 prospect and #50 overall per MLB Pipeline won't have any issues defensively that would keep him out of the lineup. He's already won a minor league Gold Glove award.

There's nobody blocking him (yet) from immediate playing time. All he needs to do is cut down the strikeouts and you may be looking at the latest long-shot winner.

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