With Paul Skenes and Luis Gil earning the 2024 Rookie of the Year Awards in their respective leagues, it’s time to look ahead to 2025.
On the latest MLB Pipeline Podcast, Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo shared their predictions for the upcoming season, filling out hypothetical ballots for potential future award winners. Back in 2022, they correctly predicted Gunnar Henderson and Corbin Carroll, then the top two prospects, would win the following year’s honors. However, in the previous year’s mock draft, Skenes wasn’t picked until Round 4, and no one considered Gil a serious contender in the American League.
Here’s a look at how they selected their top choices this time:
National League
- Mayo: Dylan Crews, OF (WSH No. 1/MLB No. 1)
The key factors here are a player’s talent and opportunity. Crews has been called up and secured a spot in the Nationals’ outfield, with enough playing time to understand what he needs to work on. Mayo believes Crews is a strong choice for the NL Rookie of the Year.
Callis: Crews
Callis agrees, ranking Crews as his top pick for the NL, though he notes that the Dodgers, Padres, or Mets could shake things up if Roki Sasaki signs with one of those teams.
- Callis: Matt Shaw, INF (CHC No. 1/MLB No. 22)
Although Callis doesn’t think Shaw will make the Cubs’ Opening Day roster due to a crowded veteran lineup, he impressed in his first pro season and shone during Premier12. Callis believes Shaw has the potential to rise quickly.
Mayo: Bubba Chandler, RHP (PIT No. 1/MLB No. 15)
Mayo predicts Chandler will make a significant impact, potentially joining the Pirates’ rotation by May. He ended the previous season on a high note and could make an early promotion from Triple-A Indianapolis.
- Callis: Andrew Painter, RHP (PHI No. 2/MLB No. 32)
Callis believes Painter will make a meaningful impact for the Phillies, although he doesn’t expect him to break camp with the team. He has shown exceptional talent in shorter outings.
Mayo: Shaw
Mayo echoes Callis’ confidence in Shaw, stating that Shaw’s hitting ability will earn him a spot in the Cubs’ lineup and lead to a strong contribution.
American League
- Callis: Coby Mayo, 3B/1B (BAL No. 1/MLB No. 8)
Callis predicts Mayo will need an opportunity to play, but believes the Orioles will find room for him. He forecasts Mayo will hit 26 home runs, securing the AL Rookie of the Year title.
Mayo: Mayo
Mayo agrees, expecting the Orioles to make room for Mayo in the lineup. He takes the over on the home run prediction, believing Mayo’s bat will be too valuable to keep in Triple-A.
- Mayo: Jackson Jobe, RHP (DET No. 1/MLB No. 5)
Mayo thinks Jobe is ready to make an immediate impact on the Tigers’ pitching staff, helping them build on a surprisingly successful 2024 season. He believes Jobe will become a key piece in their rotation.
Callis: Jasson Domínguez, OF (NYY No. 1/MLB No. 14)
Callis expects the Yankees will find ways to get Domínguez regular at-bats, as he’s shown impressive flashes in limited appearances despite his youth.
- Callis: Jacob Wilson, SS (ATH No. 1/MLB No. 24)
After an injury-plagued season, Wilson remains a solid candidate for the Rookie of the Year. Callis expects him to hit for average and play steady defense at shortstop, despite potential concerns about his power.
Mayo: Wilson
Mayo laughs, as Wilson was also his third pick. He concurs with Callis, stating Wilson will hit well enough to make an impact in his rookie year.
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