⚾ MLB Rookie of the Year Odds & Favorites 2026: Murakami the Face of the AL
The 2026 MLB season has hit its stride, and the awards race is already producing some incredibly compelling storylines. While established stars dominate the MVP conversation, the MLB Rookie of the Year odds have become a battlefield for high-profile international talent and homegrown phenoms.
In the American League, all eyes are on Munetaka Murakami, the Chicago White Sox slugger who has transitioned his legendary Japanese power to the South Side with ease. Meanwhile, the National League is on notice of Cincinnati Reds sensation Sal Stewart, whose historic RBI pace and elite plate approach have made him the clubhouse favorite for the senior circuit's top freshman honor. Here's a breakdown of the current favorites and some of our best bets from preseason.
🔢 American League Rookie of the Year odds 2026
Latest MLB Rookie of the Year odds for the American League via our best sports betting sites.
✏️ American League Rookie of the Year bets
Here are the AL Rookie of the Year bets the SBR team is making throughout the 2026 MLB season.
| Bet (odds) | SBR analyst | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Spencer Jones AL Rookie of the Year (+5000 via Caesars) | Andrew Brennan | Feb. 27, 2026 |
| Kazuma Okamoto AL Rookie of the Year (+600 via Caesars) | Andrew Brennan | March 24, 2026 |
| Kazuma Okamoto AL Rookie of the Year (+450 via FanDuel) | Dustin Saracini | March 22, 2026 |
Brennan: I bet on Kazuma Okamoto simply because I think he offers the best combination of pedigree and upside. I think Kevin McGonigle is a super talented true rookie, but Okamoto had a 210 wRC+ in Japan last year. He hit 41 homers in 2023, and he plays in one of the most hitter-friendly stadiums in all of baseball. He's a near-lock to play every day, and he should be trading as the favorite. Since he isn't, this is my bet to make ahead of Opening Day.
I previously took a punt on Spencer Jones for a small, 0.25-unit wager, and he'll start the season in the minors as I expected. However, his ceiling is sky-high, so if Giancarlo Stanton gets hurt early (as he tends to do), the door could swing open for Jones.
Saracini: Looks like I missed out on some value here, as I bet on Okamoto just days before it was announced McGonigle made the Tigers' Opening Day roster. It's almost like when to place your bet is important. Regardless, as Brennan said above, Okamoto is a lock to play every day, will be well protected in the Blue Jays' lineup, and will have plenty of opportunities to cash in runs. Lock this in before it's too late.
🔢 National League Rookie of the Year odds 2026
Latest MLB Rookie of the Year odds for the National League via our best sports betting apps.
✏️ National League Rookie of the Year bets
Here are the NL Rookie of the Year bets the SBR team is making throughout the 2026 MLB season.
| Bet (odds) | SBR analyst | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Nolan McLean NL Rookie of the Year (+300 via Caesars) | Andrew Brennan | March 24, 2026 |
| Konnor Griffin NL Rookie of the Year (+700 via Caesars) | Andrew Brennan | April 2, 2026 |
Brennan: I hate going this chalky on the Rookie of the Year market, but McLean doesn't feel like a rookie. He's getting drafted in fantasy as a staff ace. We just saw him hold his own against the WBC champions in the final. Meanwhile, we don't even know how good Griffin will be right away. The rest of the market is more or less a mystery box, and yes we had to pay via these short odds, but I'll take the boat seven days of the week.
I also invested in Griffin immediately when it was announced he was getting the call. Most sportsbooks moved him to +300 before you could blink, but Caesars left this +700 price up a minute too long. He's now as long as +330 as the favorite, which is right around where he was during spring training.
🎟️ MLB rookie of the year betting insights
Here are some early betting insights for both leagues, via BetMGM, and the top five players getting the most action.
American League Rookie of the Year
| Player | Ticket % | Handle % |
|---|---|---|
| Kevin McGonigle | 19% | 21.8% |
| Carter Jensen | 15% | 20.5% |
| Trey Yesavage | 11% | 16% |
| Samuel Basallo | 9.5% | 9.6% |
| Munetaka Murakami | 5.5% | 1.9% |
National League Rookie of the Year
| Player | Ticket % | Handle % |
|---|---|---|
| Konnor Griffin | 25.8% | 29.6% |
| JJ Wetherholt | 14.6% | 13.9% |
| Bubba Chandler | 12.1% | 11.4% |
| Sal Stewart | 10% | 4.6% |
| Charlie Condon | 7.1% | 6.9% |
📈 MLB Rookie of the Year opening odds
Odds from November 2025 via DraftKings.
| American League | Odds | National League | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trey Yesavage | +190 | Nolan McLean | +300 |
| Kazuma Okamoto | +450 | Konnor Griffin | +400 |
| Kevin McGonigle | +550 | Sal Stewart | +500 |
| Samuel Basallo | +700 | Moises Ballesteros | +700 |
| Connelly Early | +900 | JJ Wetherholt | +700 |
| Chase DeLauter | +900 | Bubba Chandler | +700 |
| Carter Jensen | +1000 | Jonah Tong | +1300 |
| Travis Bazzana | +1100 | Bryce Eldridge | +1300 |
| Walker Jenkins | +1200 | Owen Caissie | +1500 |
| Payton Tolle | +1500 | Justin Crawford | +1700 |
| Colt Emerson | +2200 | Joe Mack | +1900 |
| Brice Matthews | +2500 | Rhett Lowder | +2000 |
| Jhostynxon Garcia | +2800 | Quinn Matthews | +2500 |
| Harry Ford | +4000 | Carson Benge | +2500 |
| Spencer Jones | +5000 | Andrew Painter | +2500 |
| George Lombard Jr. | +5000 | Alex Freeland | +2500 |
📜 AL Rookie of the Year betting history
| Year | Player | Position | Preseason odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Nick Kurtz | 1B | +6600 |
| 2024 | Luis Gil | SP | N/A |
| 2023 | Gunnar Henderson | SS | +250 |
| 2022 | Julio Rodriguez | OF | +400 |
| 2021 | Randy Arozarena | OF | +350 |
| 2020 | Kyle Lewis | OF | OFF |
| 2019 | Yordan Alvarez | DH/OF | +2000 |
| 2018 | Shohei Ohtani | DH/SP | N/A |
| 2017 | Aaron Judge | OF | N/A |
| 2016 | Michael Fulmer | SP | N/A |
| 2015 | Carlos Correa | SS | N/A |
📜 NL Rookie of the Year betting history
| Year | Player | Position | Preseason odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Drake Baldwin | C | +2000 |
| 2024 | Paul Skenes | SP | +3000 |
| 2023 | Corbin Carroll | OF | +400 |
| 2022 | Michael Harris | OF | OFF |
| 2021 | Jonathan India | 2B | OFF |
| 2020 | Devin Williams | RP | OFF |
| 2019 | Pete Alonso | 1B | +600 |
| 2018 | Ronald Acuna | OF | N/A |
| 2017 | Cody Bellinger | OF | N/A |
| 2016 | Corey Seager | SS | N/A |
| 2015 | Kris Bryant | 3B/OF | N/A |
❓ MLB Rookie of the Year FAQs
Who are the Rookie of the Year favorites?
Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle is the AL favorite, and Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Konnor Griffin is the favorite in the NL.
When will the Rookie of the Year winners be announced?
The MLB Rookie of the Year Award winners last year were announced on Monday, Nov. 10. We expect the 2026 awards to be announced sometime in mid-November.
Who won the Rookie of the Year awards last year?
Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz and Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin took the honors in the AL and NL, respectively.
📃 Affiliate disclosure
Sportsbook Review may receive a commission if you sign up through our links. Not intended for use in MA. Bonuses not applicable in Ontario. 21+ only. (Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
Related Articles
