Top 4 MLB Rookie of the Year Winner Odds & Picks (2022)
Coming into the season, there were high expectations for the new rookie class. Plenty of potential game-changing players were going to start the season making their debuts in the MLB.
For some highly regarded prospects, it hasn’t been an easy transition. However, for others, the MLB has been a cakewalk.
Here are the top rookie of the year candidates in the American and National Leagues in the MLB.
(Odds courtesy DraftKings)
American League Rookie of the Year Race Candidates
1. Julio Rodriguez -370
It’s not even a question at this point. Julio Rodriguez probably has the AL Rookie of the Year in the bag. He hit .275 with 16 home runs and 52 RBIs before the All-Star break and has an OPS of .814.
These aren’t MVP-like numbers, but they’re easily the best rookie numbers in the MLB this season. At 21 years old, he could end up with close to 30 home runs in his rookie season along with potentially 100 RBIs. Rodriguez is the real deal, and he’s proved it in Seattle.
2. Jeremy Pena +600
Pena was given the starting shortstop role with the Astros once Carlos Correa signed with the Minnesota Twins. He’s been exactly what the Astros have needed. He’s hitting .263 with 13 home runs and 35 RBIs. He was injured for a little bit this season, but he has plus speed and a solid glove to go with it.
He’s just not going to be able to produce what Rodriguez has already. This one is a wrap. Give the AL Rookie of the Year to Julio Rodriguez.
Bet: Julio Rodriguez (-370 at DraftKings)
National League Rookie of the Year Race Candidates
3. Spencer Strider +180
The NL Rookie of the Year race will be between two Braves players. Neither of these players was anywhere close to the top of the National League odds in April.
Anyway, Strider might be 4-3 on the season, but he has a 3.03 ERA with a 1.05 WHIP. Plus, he’s struck out 114 batters already this season and has had multiple games with 10+ strikeouts.
He’s got filthy stuff but did struggle in his final start before the All-Star break, allowing five runs in four innings to the Nationals.
4. Michael Harris +210
Michael Harris has only played 48 games for the Braves this season. But he’s been everything the Braves hoped he would be and more.
Harris is hitting .283 with eight home runs and 10 stolen bases. He’s also a plus glove in the outfield and has helped the bottom of the order produce.
The Braves started to get hot when Harris was in the lineup. Before they brought him up, he didn’t get to play much professional baseball in the Braves system. But Atlanta clearly knew he was ready to go.
I still think Strider’s stats will stand out more once the season concludes. Strider is a terrific strikeout thrower who will only get better over time. Meanwhile, Harris is usually batting at the bottom of the order, which minimizes the level of impact he can have on a day-to-day basis.
Bet: Spencer Strider (+180 at DraftKings)
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