With Paul Skenes and Luis Gil winning their respective 2024 Rookie of the Year Awards, its time to start thinking about the 2025 season. On the latest MLB Pipeline Podcast, experts Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo revealed their hypothetical ballots for next year, picking players they believe could be in the running for the coveted honor. In their 2022 mock, they correctly predicted that Gunnar Henderson and Corbin Carroll, two of the top prospects at the time, would take home the awards in 2023. However, in the 2023 version, Skenes was picked in Round 4, and few had Gil as a serious AL candidate.
Here's how Callis and Mayo are forecasting the 2025 Rookie of the Year race:
NATIONAL LEAGUE
1. Mayo: Dylan Crews, OF
When it comes to predicting a Rookie of the Year, it's all about a players talent and opportunity. Dylan Crews has both. Hes already been called up and has a starting spot in the Nationals' outfield, with plenty of reps to hone his skills. Mayo sees him as one of the top candidates in the NL for next season.
Callis: Crews
Callis agrees with Mayo, placing Crews at the top of his list as wellunless Roki Sasaki signs with a team like the Dodgers, Padres, or Mets, which could change things.
2. Callis: Matt Shaw, INF
Callis believes Shaw could make an impact, though he might not make the Opening Day roster due to the Cubs' crowded veteran lineup. Shaw's impressive performance in his first professional season and with Premier12 has him on the fast track. Callis believes he has the potential to hit at a high level
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Mayo: Bubba Chandler, RHP
Mayo is high on Chandler, noting that although he may not start the season in the majors, his strong finish to the year makes him a candidate to join the Pirates' rotation by midseason, possibly around May. He sees Chandler becoming a key part of the rotation alongside Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, and Mitch Keller.
3. Callis: Andrew Painter, RHP
Callis picks Painter over Dalton Rushing as his third choice. He thinks Painter will make a big impact for the Phillies, even if its not right at the start of the season. While Painter may not start on Opening Day, Callis expects him to shine in shorter bursts, potentially making a bigger difference than some of the other rookies.
Mayo: Shaw
Mayo agrees with Callis about Shaws hitting ability and believes hell force his way into the Cubs lineup, making a major impact in Chicago.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
1. Callis: Coby Mayo, 3B/1B
Callis predicts Mayo will be the AL Rookie of the Year, hitting 26 home runs. The Orioles will face some roster decisions with multiple players vying for spots, but Callis believes Mayos bat will be too strong to keep in Triple-A. Mayos power and potential in the lineup make him a standout pick.
Mayo: Mayo
Mayo himself agrees and takes the over on the home run total, stressing theres no reason for Mayo to remain in Triple-A, and he expects him to make a huge impact at the major league level.
2. Mayo: Jackson Jobe, RHP
Mayo has high hopes for Jobe, believing hes ready to contribute to the Detroit Tigers pitching staff. After a surprisingly successful 2024 season that saw the Tigers reach the postseason, Mayo thinks Jobe will play a major role in their rotation alongside Tarik Skubal.
Callis: Jasson Domnguez, OF
Callis picks Domnguez as his No. 2 choice
Philadelphia Phillies Jerseys Custom. He believes the Yankees will find ways to get him regular at-bats, noting Domnguezs impressive showings in limited action. Despite being young, Callis expects big things from the outfielder in 2025.
3. Callis: Jacob Wilson, SS
Callis has Wilson in his third spot, highlighting his ability to hit consistently. While Wilson may not have massive power, Callis expects him to hit. 280 or better while playing solid defense at shortstop. His hitting ability has impressed, making him a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year honors.
Mayo: Wilson
Mayo also selects Wilson as his third choice, but chuckles as Callis steals his pick. Mayo shares Calliss view that Wilson will hit his way into the lineup and establish himself as a reliable option in the majors.
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