Even though the Athletics are having a difficult season, rookie infielder Jacob Wilson has been a hit for them. Wilson, who made his Major League debut earlier this year, has been nothing short of extraordinary, and he is currently among the best.
Jacob Wilson Joins In With The Very Best
Wilson’s 2.9 fWAR as of June 6 is the highest total of any rookie in the last 40 years at this stage of the season, surpassed only by Albert Pujols in 2001 and Aaron Judge in 2017. That’s not simply smart business; it’s business fit for the Hall of Fame.
Rookies in the last 40 years to have at least 2.9 fWAR through June 5th of that season:
2001 Albert Pujols
2017 Aaron Judge
2025 Jacob Wilson 🤯This kid needs to be talked about more! pic.twitter.com/XTl8JqlI0h
— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) June 6, 2025
Wilson’s numbers back up the hype. Entering June 6, he boasts a remarkable .369 batting average, tied for second-best in all of the majors. His OPS sits at .934, while he’s added 8 home runs and 36 RBIs to his stat line. These aren’t just solid rookie numbers; they stand up against the game’s biggest stars, including Judge himself. In fact, Wilson’s consistency at the plate has quickly made him the frontrunner for American League Rookie of the Year, with odds sitting at -470 on FanDuel.
However, the historical background is hidden under the statistics. When Pujols made his debut with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2001, he quickly rose to prominence as one of the league’s most feared batters.
In addition to winning AL Rookie of the Year, Judge set a rookie record in 2017 by hitting 52 home runs. Both players were selected as MVPs, enduring All-Stars, and immediate franchise pillars. Wilson is currently following a similar pattern.
Not only does he do it, but he does it in a certain way. Pitchers have a hard time getting Wilson out because of his advanced approach at the plate, sharp eye, and ability to hit to all fields. He has demonstrated the capacity to adapt swiftly and act composedly under duress, which belies his age. Wilson is the kind of player who can change the course of a team that has had its share of difficult moments in recent seasons.
Athletics Struggling, Young Players Striving
The Athletics have had trouble as a team, though. They are 25–40 on the season and have lost 20 of their last 23 games, despite a two-game winning streak. The club is still in the rebuilding stage and is mostly dependent on a combination of young players and seasoned leaders.
However, Wilson has become a ray of optimism, a sign that Oakland may be on the verge of better times. If his first two months are any indication, Wilson isn’t just having a great rookie season; he’s laying the foundation for a remarkable career. And joining the likes of Pujols and Judge in one of MLB’s rarest rookie clubs? That’s just the beginning.