2014 MLB AL Rookie of the Year Odds and Predictions: Favorites, Dark Horses and Sleepers

2014 MLB AL Rookie of the Year Odds and Predictions: Favorites, Dark Horses and Sleepers : While the Detroit Tigers have been dominating the American League MVP Award in recent years, the Tampa Bay Rays have been enjoying a similar dynasty when it comes to the Rookie of the Year Award. Tampa Bay players have earned Rookie of the Year honors three times in the last six seasons, including twice in the last three years with outfielder Wil Myers taking home the award for the Rays last year. Heading into the 2014 season, a combination of talented young players and established stars from other countries should make for a very competitive battle for Rookie of the Year honors. Here is a closer look at how the contenders stack up.

The Favorites

The New York Yankees shelled out a fortune to sign Japanese pitching prospect Masahiro Tanaka, and he will have a spot in the starting rotation set in stone heading into the year. Meanwhile, he is coming off a season that saw him post a 24-0 record with a miniscule ERA. Granted, he will be stepping up in competition, but with a solid fastball and excellent splitter, he should be able to put up some good numbers, especially for a team that should provide plenty of run support.

Coveted Cuban prospect Jose Abreu signed with the Chicago White Sox over the offseason, and it could be a perfect fit for both sides. After all, Abreu’s biggest asset is his power, and the White Sox play in a hitter-friendly park. Meanwhile, Chicago struggled to get power and production from the middle of its lineup last year so Abreu’s bat should land in a sweet spot in the order. Even if Abreu struggles with his average, his power numbers alone should make him one of the frontrunners for Rookie of the Year honors.

The Dark Horses

Seattle’s Taijuan Walker has the pitching repertoire to win himself a Cy Young at some point, but in the meantime, he will try for Rookie of the Year honors. Walker’s fastball should be downright dominant, and his biting slider gives him the stuff needed to pile up strikeouts. Control has been an issue at times, but if he can harness his stuff in most of his starts, he could string together enough dominant outings to win the award.

He got his feet wet in the majors last year, and while he struggled a bit in the World Series, Boston shortstop Xander Bogaerts should have a chance to make some serious noise as a rookie. Although it came in flashes, he showcased the ability to smash line drives all over the field. Meanwhile, his offensive numbers will benefit from playing at Fenway Park for a great team. Consistency will be key, but Bogaerts is in a great situation to put up the type of numbers that will land him Rookie of the Year honors.

Sleeper Special

It is tough to question the physical tools of Houston outfielder George Springer. After all, he hit 37 home runs and stole 45 bases between AA and AAA last year. Needless to see, he has a combination of power and speed that just doesn’t come around very often. Springer’s biggest obstacle to winning Rookie of the Year honors will likely be his own team because the Astros are going to be in no rush to bring him to the majors and speed up his eventual arbitration. That being said, Springer will eventually get the call, and he might just have the tools to make up for lost time and still win the award.

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