American League Rookie of the Year Dark Horse Picks (3 Pitchers With Value)
The Major League Baseball season is almost (finally) upon us, which means it's time to lock in some futures!
Awards like MVP and Cy Young generally come from an expected group of players, but if you're looking for some real dark horse value, the rookie of the year awards is the place to look.
The only problem is, you may not recognize a majority of the names on the list. That's where I come in. Allow me to breakdown a few longshot rookie of the year odds that you should consider betting on before the start of the 2022 MLB season.
All odds listed are via WynnBET Sportsbook.
Dark Horse Bets to Win American League Rookie of the Year
Reid Detmers +1500
Everyone is talking about Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout when it comes to the Angels (and rightfully so), but they also boast one of the top pitching prospects in the American League.
Reid Detmers is likely going to secure a spot in the Los Angeles rotation, and while he numbers across five starts last year aren't extremely encouraging, his stats in the minors can't be ignored. He started 14 games across the Angels AA and AAA affiliates in 2021. He sported a solid ERA at 3.19, but what was even more impressive, was his strikeout rate which was 15.7 per nine innings.
Those are eye-popping numbers, but not surprising for anyone who followed his career at Louisville where he averaged 19.6 Ks nine innings. If he can translate that strikeout prowess to the Majors this year, he's going to be a ROY candidate.
Nate Pearson +2000
Although I'll admit my Blue Jays bias might be showing with this pick, it's hard to pass up a sprinkle on a guy who's technically still a rookie, but will be in his third year of play in the Majors. His short stint was ended in 2020 with an injury, and he pitched just 15 innings in 2021.
The biggest concern with Pearson is whether he'll pitch from the bullpen, or earn a spot in the rotation. It's obviously going to be difficult to win the award as a reliever, but considering he had a 2.84 ERA out of the bullpen last season, he's a sneaky play if he's able to translate that success to a starting gig.
George Kirby +6000
Now we're looking deep off the board. The Mariners' 2019 first-round pick is likely going to begin the season in the minors, but his promising run in spring training shows that he's likely going to see some Major League action this season. If he gets called up sooner rather than later, he has the intangibles to make a mark in the AL ROY race.
He rocked an impressive 2.53 ERA in the minor leagues last season, as well as a 1.079 WHIP. He's the number three ranked prospect in the Mariners system for a reason.