MLB Betting Futures: American League Rookie of the Year

The American League Rookie of the Year race is totally different than that of the National League this season. In the NL, imports are the favorites but in the AL, a second-generation phenom and a player who already has a World Series ring are at the top of the odds table.  I have not done the math but I can't imagine many players win a title, and then win the award the next season.

Baltimore is really enjoying its youth movement and looking to add more hardware to the trophy case. For the second year in a row, one of their players is the odds-on favorite. 

Here is a look at some of the top candidates.

American League Rookie of the Year Futures

Jackson Holiday, IF, Baltimore Orioles +250

One of the reasons folks are so high on Baltimore is that even with all of their success featuring young players last season, they knew Holiday was getting close to the majors too. He does not have the same body type as his dad but is expected to be a more well-rounded player. Shortstop/third baseman Gunnar Henderson just won the Rookie of the Year last season and Holiday has the higher ceiling for most evaluators. The only question seems to be how long it takes him to pop, not if. 

Evan Carter, OF, Texas Rangers, +300

Carter was a real contributor to the Rangers' success down the stretch and into the playoffs. As a 20-year-old. Per the opener, he has the rarity of close to as many postseason at-bats as regular season in his brief career. Based on on his success in the playoffs you have to like Carter's chances of succeeding this season, but playing a full season is a different kind of challenge. You don't have to play all the games to win the award, but given the success he had last season he has to avoid the notions of "I thought he would be better."

Wyatt Langford, OF, Texas Rangers, +600

Similar to Baltimore, it doesn't feel fair that the Rangers just won the World Series, and they have Carter and Langford appearing to be MLB-ready. Carter has given us a glimpse of what he is capable of in the majors but we do not know as much about Langford, other than he is a more highly thought of prospect, drafted earlier and with a higher ceiling. It looks like they are going to give him a chance to get his feet wet with regular at-bats at DH. There is not a ton of pressure on him to contribute, which might help.