Pittsburgh Review

In MLB.com’s first Rookie of the Year poll for the second half of the season, a dominant pitcher has solidified his lead in the National League, while a tight race is unfolding in the American League between division rivals.

A panel of 36 MLB.com experts cast their ballots, with rookies receiving vote points on a 5-4-3-2-1 scale. Here are the results:

American League

1. Colton Cowser, Orioles (16 first-place votes)

Cowser moved from third to first place thanks to a strong performance at the plate since the All-Star break. The 24-year-old outfielder had a slash line of .219/.306/.418 with 12 home runs in 2024 before the break. In 13 games since then, he has an OPS over 1.100 with four homers.

"Defensively, Cowser has been brilliant," noted an expert. He ranks fourth among all MLB outfielders with 10 Outs Above Average.

2. Luis Gil, Yankees (14 first-place votes)

Gil impressed with a spectacular May but struggled in June. The 26-year-old right-hander turned things around recently and now boasts a 2.35 ERA over his last four starts.

3. Mason Miller, A’s (3 first-place votes)

Despite being injured, Miller remains one of the most electric closers in the game with a 2.21 ERA and a 45.8% strikeout rate.

4. Wilyer Abreu, Red Sox

Abreu has been crucial for the Red Sox's playoff push, posting an .899 OPS since the All-Star break and excelling in high-leverage situations.

5. Wyatt Langford, Rangers (1 first-place vote)

Langford overcame a rough start to deliver significant moments for the Rangers, including hitting for the cycle on June 30.

Others receiving votes include Ceddanne Rafaela (Red Sox), Austin Wells (Yankees), Colt Keith (Tigers), Cade Smith (Guardians), Nolan Schanuel (Angels), Simeon Woods-Richardson (Twins), and Spencer Horwitz (Blue Jays).

National League

1. Paul Skenes, Pirates (33 first-place votes)

Skenes continues to dominate and leads overwhelmingly for Rookie of the Year honors. "Skenes is the man to beat," said one expert. His recent achievements include striking out over 100 batters within his first 13 career games and starting this year’s All-Star Game.

2. Jackson Merrill, Padres (3 first-place votes)

Merrill's power numbers surged dramatically in June, highlighted by nine home runs that month alone.

3. Shota Imanaga, Cubs

Despite some setbacks, Imanaga maintains a strong presence with a 3.09 ERA over his innings this season and was named an All-Star as a rookie.

4. Masyn Winn, Cardinals

Winn has been solid both offensively and defensively this season and leads MLB shortstops with defensive runs saved.

5. Michael Busch, Cubs

Busch returns to the top five despite recent struggles; he finished the first half with an .823 OPS and remains notable for his plate discipline.

Other players receiving votes include Jackson Chourio (Brewers), Gavin Stone (Dodgers), Joey Ortiz (Brewers), Jared Jones (Pirates), Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Dodgers), Tyler Fitzgerald (Giants), Kyle Harrison (Giants), James Wood (Nationals), and José Buttó (Mets).