Show notes
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 raceSubscribe 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 #ProspectWatchChapters:00:00 Welcome to 2026 + Spring Training countdown01:08 Why it’s time for ROY predictions02:03 Service time, PPI & Opening Day roster impact03:32 AL Rookie of the Year favorites discussion04:33 Kevin McGonigle case + Tigers outlook05:06 Other AL contenders & power profiles06:49 Why gambling odds swing wildly early07:16 AL wild card ROY candidates08:57 Injury risk vs upside debate10:48 Why pitchers can still steal ROY11:39 Transition to National League ROY race12:32 NL favorite breakdown13:52 NL wild card: Connor Griffin15:10 Pirates’ dilemma: compete vs control16:33 Why Griffin might force their hand18:18 Pirates’ offseason & competitiveness19:26 Griffin’s superstar ceiling discussion21:33 Final thoughts + upcoming showsSUBSCRIBE 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=fa28ec1e24Got 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/joinAbout 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 InsidersBiggest Rule 5 Shockers: Injured Protects, Rocky Choices, and Reliever Gold | The Baseball Insidershttps://www.youtube.com/@TheBaseballInsiders/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy