The fourth annual MLB Pipeline Executive Poll was conducted, which asked front office executives who they think will win Rookie of the Year Awards in 2026.
St. Louis Cardinals prospect JJ Wetherholt led the way with 30.2% of the vote, while the New York Mets’ Nolan McLean (25.6%), and Pittsburgh Pirates farmhands Konnor Griffin (16.3%) and Bubba Chandler (7%) rounded out the top four.
Los Angeles Dodgers prospect Zyhir Hope received 4.7% of the vote, placing him in a three-way tie for fifth among National prospects. He’s tied with Justin Crawford of the Philadelphia Phillies and the Cincinnati Reds’ Sal Stewart.
Polling consists of general managers, scouting directors, farm directors, analysts and more.
The Dodgers acquired Hope, alongside Jackson Ferris, from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Yency Almonte and Michael Busch before the 2024 season.
Hope was the leading vote-getter for breakout prospect of the year in a similar poll by MLB Pipeline in 2025 and he certainly lived up to the hype.
In 127 games between High-A Great Lakes and Double-A Tulsa, Hope hit .266/.376/.428 with 29 doubles, 13 home runs, 80 RBI and 27 stolen bases across 544 plate appearances.
MLB Pipeline currently has Hope ranked as the No. 2 Dodgers prospect and No. 20 in all of baseball. He likely won’t see time at the Major League level this year but should be making the jump to Triple-A Oklahoma City for the first time in his career.
Zyhir Hope impressed Dave Roberts
Hope was among the Dodgers prospects in big league camp for 2025 Spring Training and impressed many of those around him, including manager Dave Roberts. “Really good,” Roberts described his impression of Hope at the time.
“Zyhir, he’s one of those guys that obviously put himself on the radar last year. We’re going to be hearing a lot more about him. If you can put together a young player with the makeup and skillset, he’s the guy.”
Hope will likely be in camp with the Dodgers this spring as well.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
