The 2021 MLB season is quickly coming to an end as less than a month remains on the schedule. Players are doing what they can to prove why they deserve to win one of the many individual awards, including the trophy for National League Rookie of the Year. Sportsbooks like Bovada have released odds on who’ll be named 2021 NL Rookie of the Year. At an overwhelming -900 odds, the sportsbook is favoring Cincinnati Reds second baseman Jonathan India to walk away with the honors.
It’s hard not to love what India has done for the Reds this season. The 24-year-old Fort Lauderdale, FL native has played in 129 of Cincinnati’s 140 games so far. During that span, he’s recorded 26 doubles, 19 home runs and 62 RBIs. To put that into perspective, each of those totals ranks second among National League rookies. That isn’t even to mention how India’s averaging an impressive .271/.379/.463 slash line, which also helps strengthen his 2021 NL Rookie of the Year odds.
India also leads all Reds players with 3.4 wins above replacement (WAR). That’s seriously impressive, especially with a veteran all-star like Nick Castellanos (3.3 WAR) on the team. India’s play is just one of the many factors as to why Cincinnati owns a 74-66 record, sitting in a tie for the final NL Wild Card spot. Assuming he continues his play throughout September, there’s no reason why he should stop being the top National League rookie.
2021 NL Rookie of the Year Odds
Odds via Bovada as of Wednesday, September 8
- Jonathan India (-900)
- Trevor Rogers (+750)
- Patrick Wisdom (+1100)
- Ian Anderson (+4000)
- Dylan Carlson (+5000)
- Tyler Stephenson (+5000)
Complete odds list is available at Bovada.lv.
Trevor Rogers Rookie of the Year Odds
Left-handed pitcher Trevor Rogers made his MLB debut with the Miami Marlins last season. Unfortunately, it wasn’t anything to write home about. He started in seven games for the Marlins, pitching to a 1-2 record with a 6.11 ERA and 1.607 WHIP. However, things have drastically changed in 2021 and now the 23-year-old southpaw owns +750 odds to be named 2021 NL Rookie of the Year.
While the Marlins have been far from great this season, Rogers has given the club’s fans something to cheer about. He owns a 7-6 record with a 2.52 ERA through 21 starts — with both of those stats being the best among Miami starting pitchers. Additionally, Rogers has improved his WHIP to 1.155 this season and he leads all National League rookie pitchers with 10.4 strikeouts per 9 innings pitched.
Rogers’ impressive season-long performance earned him a nod at the 2021 MLB All-Star Game, further solidifying him as not only one of the top rookie pitchers but one of the best in NL. Only time will tell if pitching a few more gems in September will be enough for him to surpass India in the 2021 NL Rookie of the Year race.
Patrick Wisdom 2021 NL Rookie of the Year Odds
Like Rogers, Chicago Cubs infielder Patrick Wisdom is somewhat of a long shot to be named 2021 NL Rookie of the Year at +1100 odds. However, nothing is guaranteed until the award winner is announced, which means he has the next few weeks to make his case.
At 30 years old, Wisdom is one of the oldest rookies this year. Before this season, he had only played a total of 43 MLB games between 2018 and 2020 between the St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers and Cubs. Things changed this year, though, as Wisdom has earned himself a starting role with Chicago. While he’s only played 91 games, he’s put up 25 home runs during that span — which would put him close to 40 had injuries and the fact that he didn’t start at third base until May 30 played a role in his production.
Nevertheless, the fact that Wisdom has played fewer games than India will likely play a role in who’s named 2021 NL Rookie of the Year. Wisdom has also slowed down significantly over his last 20 games. While he has 7 home runs and 13 RBIs during that span, his .181 batting average and .263 on-base percentage leave a lot to be desire. If he can turn that around over the next four or so weeks, perhaps he could sway a few more voters in his favor.
