If it weren’t for the dominant season Kurtz had, Wilson would’ve had a legitimate case to take home the American League Rookie of the Year Award. Even though he likely won’t receive any hardware, he was still recently named a finalist for the award.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 01: Roman Anthony #19 of the Boston Red Sox runs off of the field after a game against the Cleveland Guardians at Fenway Park on September 01, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
2. OF Roman Anthony, BOS
2025 Stats: 303 PA, 8 HR, 32 RBI, .292/.396/.463, 140 wRC+, 4 SB, 2.7 fWAR
After entering the 2025 season as our top-ranked prospect, Roman Anthony burst onto the scene following his promotion in early June. Following his promotion, Anthony immediately became one of the best young players in baseball, handling very good pitching with ease.
Anthony was one of just two qualified rookie hitters to finish with a wRC+ of 140 or higher, while he also generated almost 3.0 fWAR in just 71 games. Due to his immediate success in the big leagues, Anthony earned an 8-year, $130 million extension.
Sadly, a left oblique strain caused him to miss a sizable amount of time at the end of the season, cutting a special rookie season short. However, Anthony still played well enough to be considered our second-best rookie in 2025.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 28: Nick Kurtz #16 of the Athletics waits for the pitch during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Sutter Health Park on September 28, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Scott Marshall/Getty Images)
1. 1B Nick Kurtz, ATH
2025 Stats: 489 PA, 36 HR, 86 RBI, .290/.383/.619, 170 wRC+, 2 SB, 4.6 fWAR