2025 MLB Rookie Rankings Update: May Edition

With the conclusion of another month in the 2025 MLB season, the latest updates to the rookie rankings have been released. Kristian Campbell, the second baseman for the Boston Red Sox, emerged as the consensus choice for the No. 1 spot in May, with Kameron Misner (Tampa Bay Rays), Jacob Wilson (Athletics), Shane Smith (Chicago White Sox), and Jake Mangum (Tampa Bay Rays) following in the top five. However, the dynamic nature of rookie performance has led to notable changes: only Campbell retains a position in the top five, and just one other player remains in the top ten. It is common for newcomers to experience fluctuations in their performance as they adjust to the Major League Baseball level, hence the significant reshuffling within the rankings. Monthly updates will continue as rookies rise and fall based on their recent performances, focusing exclusively on contributions made during the 2025 season rather than prior expectations or minor league histories.
Among the leading rookies, pitchers Sean Burke, Hunter Dobbins, Brandon Eisert, Logan Evans, Richard Fitts, Mason Fluharty, Ryan Gusto, Seth Halvorsen, Logan Henderson, Cole Henry, Cade Horton, Jackson Jobe, Max Kranick, Brad Lord, Lyon Richardson, Roki Sasaki, Chase Shugart, AJ Smith-Shawver, Justin Sterner, Carlos Vargas, Mike Vasil, and Will Warren have made notable appearances. On the hitting front, the rankings feature Luisangel Acuña, Isaac Collins, Dylan Crews, Zach Dezenzo, Caleb Durbin, J.C. Escarra, Jake Mangum, Edgar Quero, Dalton Rushing, Javier Sanoja, Chandler Simpson, Tim Tawa, and Eric Wagaman.
In the 25th position, shortstop Trey Sweeney of the Detroit Tigers has logged 201 plate appearances with a wRC+ of 72, posting a .225/.284/.319 slash line with 8 extra-base hits and 23 RBIs. He has started 50 of 60 games at shortstop for a Tigers team leading the AL Central with a 39-21 record, indicating his vital role in sustaining the team's championship aspirations. Liam Hicks, a catcher for the Miami Marlins, ranks 24th after hitting .269/.349/.462 with 22 RBIs across 108 plate appearances, showcasing his strong offensive potential. Chase Lee of the Detroit Tigers breaks into the rankings at 23rd, with a 1.15 ERA across 12 games, following a successful debut. Tampa Bay’s Eric Orze ranks 22nd with a 0.81 ERA, further emphasizing the team's ability to identify pitching talent. Chicago Cubs' Matt Shaw and Seattle Mariners' Ben Williamson take the 21st and 20th spots respectively as they continue to adjust defensively and offensively in their crucial infield positions.








