The Dodgers have a storied history with the National League Rookie of the Year award, with Cody Bellinger (2017) and Corey Seager (2016) being the latest position players to snag the honor. Since the award's inception in 1947, eighteen Dodgers have been celebrated as Rookies of the Year, including ten position players and eight pitchers. Jackie Robinson, the first recipient, set the stage for a legacy that continues to shine.
Now, let's take a stroll down memory lane. For those seasoned Dodgers fans, the last homegrown pitcher to win the award was none other than Fernando Valenzuela in 1981.
His rise from the minors in Lodi, California, and San Antonio, Texas, sparked the unforgettable "Fernandomania." It’s been a long forty-five seasons since then, but 2026 might just be the year another Dodgers pitcher captures the prestigious Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award.
Enter River Ryan. At 27, he's starting the season in Triple-A Oklahoma City, working his way back from Tommy John surgery in August 2024. Ryan's shown he has what it takes to be a formidable starting pitcher; all he needs now is the chance to prove it on the big stage.
The path to MLB success can be a winding one, and for 24-year-old right-hander Roki Sasaki, struggles with pitch command could open the door for Ryan to step up sooner than expected. The Dodgers' future on the mound looks intriguing, and fans should keep their eyes peeled for what could be an exciting season ahead.