Spring Training is approaching fast — which means it’s time for early Rookie of the Year predictions.
Adam Weinrib is joined by FanSided MLB prospect expert Eric Cole to break down the 2026 AL & NL Rookie of the Year races, including early favorites, wild card picks, and the service-time realities that could shape the awards.
We dive into:
-Connor Griffin’s sky-high ceiling and Opening Day chances
-Kevin McGonigle’s case as an AL favorite
-Position players vs pitchers in ROY voting
-How PPI incentives and service time affect call-ups
-Why one hot month can flip the entire race
Subscribe for weekly prospects talk all offseason.
Don't miss a video! Subscribe NOW:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheBaseballInsiders?sub_confirmation=1
#MLB #MLBProspects #RookieOfTheYear #ConnorGriffin #BaseballInsiders #SpringTraining #MLB2026 #ProspectWatch
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to 2026 + Spring Training countdown
01:08 Why it’s time for ROY predictions
02:03 Service time, PPI & Opening Day roster impact
03:32 AL Rookie of the Year favorites discussion
04:33 Kevin McGonigle case + Tigers outlook
05:06 Other AL contenders & power profiles
06:49 Why gambling odds swing wildly early
07:16 AL wild card ROY candidates
08:57 Injury risk vs upside debate
10:48 Why pitchers can still steal ROY
11:39 Transition to National League ROY race
12:32 NL favorite breakdown
13:52 NL wild card: Connor Griffin
15:10 Pirates’ dilemma: compete vs control
16:33 Why Griffin might force their hand
18:18 Pirates’ offseason & competitiveness
19:26 Griffin’s superstar ceiling discussion
21:33 Final thoughts + upcoming shows
SUBSCRIBE to The Moonshot, our weekly baseball email newsletter, where the FanSided MLB team, including Robert Murray, break down all the biggest stories in the big leagues with humor, insight and behind-the-scenes info: https://fansided.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b9bb472d0aa5e8abf01e2ced7&id=fa28ec1e24
Got more questions for Robert & Adam? Join our Discord channel! Become a member HERE to get started: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7_dK0B3mwchuelVrj_M-ng/join
About The Baseball Insiders:
Join MLB Insider Robert Murray, Fansided host extraordinaire, Adam Weinrib, and some of the biggest names in baseball and baseball media, as they bring you the inside scoop on everything happening across the MLB. From Hot Stove to the World Series, The Baseball Insiders have you covered.
Follow The Baseball Insiders:
Follow Robert: https://twitter.com/ByRobertMurray
Follow Adam: https://twitter.com/AdamWeinrib
Website: https://fansided.com/baseball-insiders
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w8jYR5PJe325b6JvKPQgO
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-baseball-insiders/id1587035090
Follow FanSided:
Website: https://fansided.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fansided
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fansided/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fansided
X: https://twitter.com/FanSided
Copyright Notice: This video and YouTube channel contain dialog, music, and images that are property of The Baseball Insiders. You are authorized to share the video link and channel, and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to our YouTube Channel is provided.
© 2025 The Baseball Insiders
Biggest Rule 5 Shockers: Injured Protects, Rocky Choices, and Reliever Gold | The Baseball Insiders
https://www.youtube.com/@TheBaseballInsiders/
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy