The MLB season is at its midpoint and the race for Rookie of the Year is heating up. Shota Imanaga started strong but has since faltered, opening the door for Paul Skenes to take the lead in the NL ROY race. Skenes, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, has impressed with a 4-0 record, 2.06 ERA, and 70 strikeouts since his debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates. His odds have shifted from +2500 to -270, making him the favorite to win the award.
In the National League, the ROY odds stand as follows:
– Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates: -270
– Jackson Merrill, San Diego Padres: +350
– Shota Imanaga, Chicago Cubs: +750
– Joey Ortiz, Milwaukee Brewers: +1000
– Masyn Winn, St. Louis Cardinals: +1800
FOX Sports writer Rowan Kavnar praised Skenes’ performance, noting his dominance on the mound. With a solid month, Skenes could solidify his lead in the ROY race.
On the other hand, in the AL, Luis Gil of the New York Yankees leads the ROY odds at +180. Despite a strong start to the season, Gil has recently struggled, leading to a lengthening of his odds. Wyatt Langford of the Texas Rangers has seen a surge in his odds, moving from +1400 to +250 in just two weeks. His impressive performance in June has caught the attention of many.
In the American League, the ROY odds are as follows:
– Luis Gil, New York Yankees: +180
– Wyatt Langford, Texas Rangers: +260
– Wilyer Abreu, Boston Red Sox: +450
– Colton Cowser, Baltimore Orioles: +500
– Mason Miller, Oakland Athletics: +550
– Ceddanne Rafaela, Boston Red Sox: +1300
Kavnar speculates that Gil’s recent struggles may be due to fatigue, as he has not pitched many innings in the past. Meanwhile, Langford’s hot streak has propelled him up the odds board, making him a contender for the award.
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