The 2024 MLB Rookie of the Year odds are full of some top talent. Luis Gil leads the AL Rookie of the Year odds, but the NL rookie race is a full on battle between Jackson Merill and Paul Skenes.
I’ll break down the MLB Rookie of the Year Award odds for both leagues below and offer a few value picks:
American League Rookie of the Year Odds
Odds as of September 19th
The AL ROTY odds race has been one heck of a rollercoaster this season, with the chalk spot being handed off between Evan Carter, Wyatt Langford, Mason Miller, Colton Cowser, and now Luis Gil. With just a few games remaining, the Yankee starter is my best bet.
AL RotY Best Bet: Luis Gil
Luis Gil has had a weird season, for sure. He stumbled in June, posting a 6.54 ERA in the month, and missed time with injury. I actually snagged Gil at +2000 in these odds around then, and that bet is looking pretty juicy right now.
The Yankees righty has come back from injury and seems to be finishing September strong. Gil has been clearly the best rookie pitcher in the AL, rocking a 3.14 ERA in 27 starts, striking out a gaudy 161 batters and posting a 14-6 record. Gil also has the shine of the New York market and the fact that he's the only pitcher in real contention for this award working in his favor.
National League Rookie of the Year
Odds as of July 29th
Why Merrill Is NL Rookie Favorite
Paul Skenes was running away with the NL rookie race, but then came Jackson Merrill. The Padres rookie was hanging around the top of Rookie of the Year odds all season, but has come on strong in the last few months. Since the All-Star break, Merrill is hitting over .315 with an OPS of .964. He's been the Padres best player lately.
But, I still think Skenes has been the NL's best rookie.
NL RotY Value Pick: Can Skenes Still Win?
Skenes came into MLB not only as the best rookie pitcher, but one of the best hurlers of all. In his first 21 outings at the Big League level, Skenes has pitched to a 2.07 ERA, struck out the world, and barely walked anyone. He even earned starter status for the NL's All-Star team.
Honestly, I don't really get why the Pirates starter isn't the NL Rookie of the Year favorite. Skenes has been the most captivating story of the baseball season, in my opinion. Sure, the righty has only made 21 starts, but Skenes' 5.5 WAR is way higher than Merrill's 4.0 — so who cares about how many games they've played. Skenes is my Rookie of the Year, and I'll be betting him at this plus money until the award is announced.
MLB Rookie of the Year Award History
MLB Rookie of the Year Betting Trends
- No pitcher has won the AL or NL Rookie of the Year since 2018
- Outfielders have won five of the last eight MLB Rookie of the Year awards
- One reliever has won the Rookie of the Year in the last six years (Devin Williams, 2020 NL RoTY)
- Pete Alonso is the only first baseman to win the Rookie of the Year in the last six seasons
How To Read MLB Rookie Of The Year Odds
At your sportsbook of choice, the betting lines for the MLB Rookie of the Year odds will look something like this, for each of the AL and NL markets:
Paul Skenes +350
Shota Imanaga +400
Gavin Stone +750
This means that Skenes is the ROTY favorite since he has the lowest odds and the highest chance of winning the prop, according to oddsmakers. If you were to bet $100 on the Pirates SP and he won, you would get a payout of $450 – your original $100 is returned along with your winnings of $350.