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Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) is a really long shot because it is hard to know just how many innings the Bucs will let their top young arm throw. Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

MLB futures: Some longer shots for NL Rookie of the Year

By Matt Wiesenfeld | Last updated 2/26/24

With how much he is getting paid, it seems like the National League Rookie of the Year award is already determined. Japanese import starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto was brought to the Dodgers to make an immediate impact, and from what we have seen of him in Japan, he likely will. He is currently priced at +200 to win the award, but just in case you want to know who some of the other candidates are, here is a quick review some names to know.

NL Rookie of the Year Props

Jung Hoo Lee, OF, San Francisco Giants +500

The contract they gave him to leave the KBO flew under the radar this offseason. All he did over there is hit and he seems to have the tools to do so over here too. Perhaps he will be like Ichiro Light and click right away, although I think he is younger than when he made the jump. He is penciled in as a starter in the outfield with San Francisco and should have plenty of opportunity to prove his worth. Position players sometimes benefit from having fewer restrictions than pitchers.

Noelvi Marte, IF, Cincinnati Reds +800

Marte is a great power/speed prospect. I am high on the Reds this season because of all of their young talent and even though Marte does not have as much experience as some of those guys, he already has refined bat-to-ball skills and is projected to be as impactful as anybody not named Elly De La Cruz. The key will be playing time but at this price it looks like the market is saying it won't be an issue. With a full complement of at bats, a 25/25 season is reasonable.

Paul Skenes, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates +1100

Skenes was electric at LSU before getting drafted by the Pirates. He has next to no professional experience, but that is not making anyone pump the brakes. This one is a really long shot because it is hard to know just how many innings the Bucs will let their top young arm throw in the majors (and in total). If it is just 50, that is going to be tough. If it is more like 100, it feels a lot more realistic. He probably needs Yamamoto to struggle though.

Masyn Winn, SS, St. Louis Cardinals +2000

The Cardinals should have more than enough pop in their lineup to carry Wynn should they wish to do so. There is a lot to like about his future and even if he hits 9th in this lineup all season long, he might still score 80+ runs and steal 20 bases. That and some better-than-average defense would have him in the running.

Dylan Crews, OF, Washington Nationals +3000

The Nationals are hoping that Crews can be their next slugging superstar, replacing the recent losses of Bryce Harper and Juan Soto. Harper won the award in 2012 and it did not take an otherworldly performance, just steady enough playing time and enough production to get on the map. Crews is a great power/speed prospect (also from LSU) but I would not put all of your eggs in this basket. He might be eligible next year, if you know what I mean.

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