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The hardest jump in baseball is not from Triple-A to the majors. It is from Year 1 to Year 2. Once the league has a scouting report, once the book is out, the real development begins. Sophomore seasons reveal who can adjust, who can sustain, and who is ready to become a core piece.
Last year, we saw rookies like Nick Kurtz, Jacob Wilson, and Drake Baldwin make an immediate splash into the Big Leagues. Here are five second-year players who could take a meaningful leap this season.
Roman Anthony, Red Sox
2025 Stats: .292 AVG | 8 HR | 32 RBI | .396 OBP | .463 SLG
Roman Anthony’s rookie campaign was one of the most polished in the 2025 class. Despite a limited number of games, he finished third in American League Rookie of the Year voting thanks to his elite plate discipline and advanced offensive metrics. His .396 on-base percentage indicates a hitter with both approach and impact.
In his second season, the key will be consistent power and year-long durability. If Anthony can maintain or improve his hard-hit rate while walking at an elite clip, he could evolve into a middle-of-the-order run producer with All-Star upside. Anthony’s ability to control the zone and punish mistakes gives Boston a versatile offensive weapon ready to shoulder more responsibility in 2026.
Colson Montgomery, White Sox
2025 Stats: .239 AVG | 21 HR | 55 RBI | .311 OBP | .529 SLG
Colson Montgomery’s 2025 season was a true “end-of-year explosion.” He hit all 21 home runs after the All-Star break, finishing with one of the more impressive power surges in the 2025 rookie class. His slugging percentage was among the league’s best for players with 250+ plate appearances, underscoring his undeniable raw power.
For Year 2, Montgomery needs to tighten his approach against elite breaking stuff and limit free passes. If he turns more of his hard contact into barrels without surrendering on pitches out of the zone, he could evolve into one of baseball’s most dynamic young middle-infield bats. The White Sox are counting on Montgomery to grow into a lineup force, and his sophomore season is the perfect time to take that step.
Noah Cameron, Royals
2025 Stats: 9-7 | 2.99 ERA | 114 K
Noah Cameron quietly delivered one of the most impressive pitching debuts of 2025. His sub-3.00 ERA and strong strikeout totals stood out in a year dominated by offensive rookies. Cameron’s ability to keep hitters guessing with above-average curveball action and excellent location helped him finish fourth in American League Rookie of the Year voting.
In 2026, Cameron’s sophomore mission is to maintain that command while staying ahead of the league’s adjustments. If he continues to induce weak contact and limit walks, he could anchor the Royals’ rotation and emerge as a reliable mid-to-frontline starter.
Jakob Marsee, Marlins
2025 Stats: .292 AVG | 33 RBI | 14 SB | .363 OBP | .478 SLG
Debuting in August, Jakob Marsee quickly made an impact and finished eighth in NL Rookie of the Year voting. He brings energy, speed, and on-base ability to a Marlins lineup that values athleticism. As a rookie, he showed he could work counts and pressure defenses once he reached base. His ability to impact games without relying solely on power makes him a different kind of offensive weapon.
In his second season, Marsee’s challenge will be sustaining that success over a full campaign. If he can maintain elite contact rates and add a bit more power, he could become a fixture atop Miami’s lineup. With Marlins fans eager for consistent offensive production, Marsee’s sophomore leap could energize an already ascending group.
Cam Schlittler, Yankees
2025 Stats: 4-3 | 2.96 ERA | 84 K
Cam Schlittler’s rookie year was headlined by heat and dominance. His sub-3.00 ERA in his first MLB looks came with a fastball that regularly touched triple digits and a strikeout ability that overwhelmed hitters. He even delivered in high-pressure moments, including a historic postseason start for the Yankees.
For Year 2, Schlittler’s focus will be command and pitch sequencing. If he can refine his secondary offerings and limit free bases, he could cement himself as a key rotation arm for New York. A sophomore season with improved efficiency and deeper starts would make him one of the American League’s most exciting young pitchers.
