Every year, there are a few young guys that don't play young.
In the National League race for MLB Rookie of the Year, Jackson Merrill is putting more distance between himself and Paul Skenes to win the award.
At one point, it looked like Skenes was going to run away with the NL ROY. In early August, he had become a huge favorite at -5000.
But now, the Pirates ace is second.
Let's take a look at the ROY betting board in the National League at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Sept. 9.
2024 NL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR ODDS:
Jackson Merrill, San Diego Padres: -750 (bet $10 to win $11.33 total)
Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates: +400 (bet $10 to win $50 total)
Jackson Chourio, Milwaukee Brewers: +1100 (bet $10 to win $120 total)
As of Aug. 23, Merrill was second on the board at -105. But on Aug. 25, he helped lift his Padres to a 3-2 victory over the Mets with a walk-off home run.
After that performance, his odds shortened to -140, and he claimed the top spot on the board.
That line has since continued to shift over the weeks, while Skenes' odds have lengthened.
As of Sept. 9, Merrill has 23 homers and is batting .290 with 83 RBIs.
Now, let's take a look at the ROY odds in the American League as of Sept. 9.
2024 AL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR ODDS:
Colton Cowser, Baltimore Orioles: -250 (bet $10 to win $14 total)
Austin Wells, New York Yankees: +180 (bet $10 to win $28 total)
Wilyer Abreu, Boston Red Sox: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)
Cowser is holding steady as the odds-on favorite at -260. However, over the past three weeks, those odds have shifted from -550.
In mid-July, his odds to win the award were +550.
Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!