The 2026 MLB season is shaping up to be a thrilling one, with standout performances and record-breaking achievements. Here's a deep dive into the players who dominated the month of May, showcasing their skills and contributing to their teams' success.
AL Player of the Month: Nick Kurtz
Nick Kurtz, the Athletics' rookie sensation, had a historic month, batting .333 with five home runs, 26 RBIs, and an impressive 1.025 OPS in 28 games. His on-base streak of 48 games, which ended on May 26, tied an A's single-season record. Kurtz's performance is even more remarkable considering he's leading the MLB in on-base percentage at .440, outpacing Yordan Alvarez's .419. This isn't Kurtz's first award; he previously claimed the Player of the Month honor in July 2025. His ability to consistently perform at a high level is a testament to his talent and potential.
NL Player of the Month: JJ Bleday
JJ Bleday, the Reds' outfielder, had a breakout month, hitting .301 with eight home runs, 25 RBIs, and a 1.018 OPS. This performance earned him the NL Player of the Month award, the first for the Reds since Joey Votto in July 2021. Bleday's success comes after a challenging period, having been designated for assignment by the Athletics in November and signing with the Reds a month later. His ability to adapt and excel in a new environment is a positive sign for the team's future.
AL Pitcher of the Month: Spencer Arrighetti
Spencer Arrighetti, the Astros' pitcher, had an exceptional month, allowing just three earned runs in five starts with a 0.93 ERA. This performance lowered his season ERA to 1.34, the best in MLB behind only Shohei Ohtani's 0.82. Arrighetti's ability to excel in tough road matchups, including games at Fenway Park and Wrigley Field, is a testament to his skill and consistency. His no-hitter performance against the Rangers on May 15 further cements his status as a top pitcher.
NL Pitcher of the Month: Cristopher Sánchez
Cristopher Sánchez, the Phillies' pitcher, had a historic month, completing at least seven innings in all five starts without allowing a single run and striking out 45 in 39 innings. This performance broke the franchise-record scoreless streak, entering Wednesday's start with 44 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings, the longest active streak in MLB. Sánchez's dominance and consistency make him a force to be reckoned with, and his ability to keep the Phillies' offense strong is invaluable.
AL Rookie of the Month: Munetaka Murakami
Munetaka Murakami, the White Sox's rookie, continued his impressive debut season, adding eight home runs to his previous totals, driving in 18 runs, and slugging .556 with a .938 OPS in May. His performance earned him the AL Rookie of the Month award, the first for the White Sox in over five years. Murakami's ability to perform at a high level despite his injury is a testament to his resilience and talent.
NL Rookie of the Month: TJ Rumfield
TJ Rumfield, the Rockies' first baseman, had a breakthrough month, batting .310 with four home runs, 12 RBIs, and an .883 OPS in May. This performance earned him the NL Rookie of the Month award, the eighth for the Rockies since its inception in 2001. Rumfield's ability to take a step forward and contribute significantly to the team's success is a positive sign for the Rockies' future.
AL Reliever of the Month: Cade Smith
Cade Smith, the Guardians' reliever, had an exceptional month, saving all 13 games he appeared in and striking out 25 in 13 2/3 innings with a 1.32 ERA. His performance earned him the AL Reliever of the Month award, and his ability to consistently perform at a high level is a testament to his talent and impact on the team.
NL Reliever of the Month: Mason Miller
Mason Miller, the Padres' reliever, continued his dominant performance, allowing no earned runs in 9 2/3 innings while striking out 20. His ability to convert all seven save opportunities and maintain a 0.72 ERA and 49 K's in 25 innings is remarkable. Miller's three straight Reliever of the Month Awards since September 2025 make him a standout performer and a key contributor to the Padres' success.
