Carter Jensen Earns Recognition in MLB Pipeline's All-Rookie Squad

In his first full major league season, Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen stood out to emerge as one of the team’s most complete players in 2026.

Jensen took over the bulk of the catching duties for the Royals and excelled at the plate. As a result of the stellar season he had, Jensen was named to MLB Pipeline’s 2026 All-Rookie First Team.

The accolade is one that recognizes the top rookies around the league by placing the best players at their respective positions on a First or Second team. MLB Pipeline recognized Jensen as the best rookie catcher in baseball this past season.

After impressing after his initial call-up in 2025, which consisted of a 20-game stretch where he posted a .300 batting average at the plate, Jensen gave the Royals much to look forward to ahead of his first full season. With that, the left-handed hitting catcher delivered with his potential.

Though Jensen’s batting average was a lower-end tally at .239, the rest of his numbers translated his productivity at the dish. The 23-year-old slugged 27 home runs to go with 81 RBI, while owning a .790 OPS across 527 at-bats this season.

Jensen also set multiple franchise records in his rookie year. His 27 homers marked the most by a rookie in Royals history, surpassing Bob Hamelin’s tally of 24 home runs in 1994. He hit the most extra-base hits by a Royals rookie as well, passing teammate Bobby Witt Jr.’s mark in 2022. 

The impressive feats do not stop there. His six leadoff home runs marked the most of their kind by a Royals hitter in one season. He also notched 62 extra-base hits, which passed Mike Piazza for the most by a rookie catcher since 1947. 

Ultimately, the Royals not only found their catcher of the future, but a bat that can be slotted right at the top of their order with a heavy amount of trust. His arrival to the Royals came right on time, as longtime catcher Salvador Perez got to see more time at designated hitter because of Jensen and an age factor. 

Jensen is in a rare category of catchers that can lead off in a batting order and make an impact. Though his batting average was on the lower-end, his ability to draw walks and find his way on base had a strong impact on his 116 wRC+ that he accumulated alongside a 3.7 fWAR in 2026.