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by Sean Murphy
Thursday, Feb 29, 2024With Spring Training underway now is the time to start locking in some MLB futures bets as we look ahead to the 2024 season. Here's a look at my predictions for American League and National League Rookie of the Year award winners as we approach the beginning of March.
Odds courtesy DraftKings.
American League
Wyatt Langford - Texas Rangers (+600)
While Langford's teammate and last October's breakout star Evan Carter is one of the favorites to win the award (along with Orioles phenom Jackson Holliday), I like the value being offered with the Rangers 'other' highly-touted prospect. Langford is expected to be on the Rangers Opening Day roster even if he isn't an every-day player right out of the gate. The outfielder has thrived at every level, most recently scorching a path through the Rangers minor league ranks with a .360 batting average to go along with double-digit home runs and stolen bases last season. While Carter might be the better all-around player, Langford has power to spare (which was on full display during his time with the Florida Gators) and that combined with his speed should turn voters heads as the season goes on. Texas does have a rather crowded outfield and the risk of Langford not getting a ton of playing time in April and May is real. With that said, I prefer not to back the chalk when it comes to this particular award as a lot can happen over the course of a 162-game MLB season, injuries or otherwise. Langford should be in the conversation all season long.
National League
Jackson Chourio - Milwaukee Brewers (+800)
Despite the lofty price, Chourio is actually tied for the third-favorite to win this award at several books. A pair of Japanese imports lead the way in Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Jung Hoo Lee, with the latter's stock quickly rising. I think Chourio has as good a chance as any at taking home the prize, however. We've already seen the Brewers top prospect flash during Spring Training games. Keep in mind, Milwaukee has a lot invested in the outfielder having locked him up with an eight-year, $82 million contract. There have been whispers that Chourio might not be an every-day player for the Brew Crew early in the season but I expect him to play his way into the starting lineup over the course of the exhibition schedule in March. In the Venezuelan Winter League, Chourio hit .379 across 66 at-bats with seven extra-base hits and three stolen bases. While he only had a cup of coffee at the Triple-A level last year he hit .280 with 22 home runs and 43 steals at Double-A Biloxi. Expect him to make the leap in 2024 and prove to be an bonafide star for the Brewers sooner rather than later.
Odds courtesy DraftKings.
American League
Wyatt Langford - Texas Rangers (+600)
While Langford's teammate and last October's breakout star Evan Carter is one of the favorites to win the award (along with Orioles phenom Jackson Holliday), I like the value being offered with the Rangers 'other' highly-touted prospect. Langford is expected to be on the Rangers Opening Day roster even if he isn't an every-day player right out of the gate. The outfielder has thrived at every level, most recently scorching a path through the Rangers minor league ranks with a .360 batting average to go along with double-digit home runs and stolen bases last season. While Carter might be the better all-around player, Langford has power to spare (which was on full display during his time with the Florida Gators) and that combined with his speed should turn voters heads as the season goes on. Texas does have a rather crowded outfield and the risk of Langford not getting a ton of playing time in April and May is real. With that said, I prefer not to back the chalk when it comes to this particular award as a lot can happen over the course of a 162-game MLB season, injuries or otherwise. Langford should be in the conversation all season long.
National League
Jackson Chourio - Milwaukee Brewers (+800)
Despite the lofty price, Chourio is actually tied for the third-favorite to win this award at several books. A pair of Japanese imports lead the way in Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Jung Hoo Lee, with the latter's stock quickly rising. I think Chourio has as good a chance as any at taking home the prize, however. We've already seen the Brewers top prospect flash during Spring Training games. Keep in mind, Milwaukee has a lot invested in the outfielder having locked him up with an eight-year, $82 million contract. There have been whispers that Chourio might not be an every-day player for the Brew Crew early in the season but I expect him to play his way into the starting lineup over the course of the exhibition schedule in March. In the Venezuelan Winter League, Chourio hit .379 across 66 at-bats with seven extra-base hits and three stolen bases. While he only had a cup of coffee at the Triple-A level last year he hit .280 with 22 home runs and 43 steals at Double-A Biloxi. Expect him to make the leap in 2024 and prove to be an bonafide star for the Brewers sooner rather than later.
