The Major League Baseball (MLB) has revealed the finalists for the 2024 Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year awards, with the National League (NL) race notably missing one of its early favorites, Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Los Angeles Dodgers. When he signed a record-breaking 12-year, $325 million contract with the Dodgers in December 2023, odds for Yoshinobu Yamamoto Rookie of the Year 2024 over at FanDuel Sportsbook at Sambafoot had him as the favorite. The Japanese right-hander came to MLB after a stellar career in Nippon Professional Baseball, where he posted a 1.82 ERA over six seasons with the Orix Buffaloes, winning three Pacific League MVP awards and four ERA titles.
A Rocky Start and Injury Setback
Yamamoto’s MLB debut in Seoul, Korea, was far from ideal. In the season opener against the San Diego Padres, he allowed five runs in his first and only inning during a 15-11 loss. This disastrous start raised concerns, but Yamamoto rebounded, demonstrating his resilience and talent. However, Yamamoto’s rookie campaign was derailed by a shoulder injury that sidelined him from mid-June to early September. Before the injury, he had posted impressive numbers, going 6-2 with a 2.92 ERA and striking out 84 in 14 starts.
Late-Season Return and Playoff Performance
Yamamoto returned to the Dodgers’ rotation on September 10, facing initial struggles as he regained his form. In his last four regular-season outings, he completed five innings only once and faced challenges, including issues with pitch tipping. Despite these setbacks, Yamamoto finished the regular season with a 7-2 record, a 3.00 ERA, and 105 strikeouts in 90 innings pitched across 18 starts. While these numbers are impressive, the time lost to injury likely cost him a chance at being named a finalist for the Rookie of the Year award.
Yamamoto’s resilience shone through in the playoffs. In a crucial Game 5 of the NLDS against the San Diego Padres, he delivered a stellar performance, pitching five shutout innings with only two hits allowed, helping the Dodgers advance to the NLCS. He finished the postseason with a 2-0 record and a 3.86 ERA over 18.2 innings.
The NL Rookie of the Year Finalists
The three NL Rookie of the Year finalists announced are:
- Jackson Chourio, OF (Milwaukee Brewers): Chourio overcame early struggles to become a key contributor in the Brewers’ NL Central-winning campaign. After June 1, he hit .305 with 16 home runs in 97 games, becoming the first player to achieve a 20-homer/20-steal season before turning 21. Chourio’s odds of winning the award stand at +600.
- Jackson Merrill, CF (San Diego Padres): Merrill made an immediate impact, earning an All-Star selection in his rookie season. The 21-year-old center fielder led all MLB rookies in several offensive categories, including home runs (24, tied), RBIs (90), hits (162), batting average (.292), and OPS (.826). Merrill’s clutch performances and defensive prowess in a new position have made him the betting favorite with odds of -750.
- Paul Skenes, RHP (Pittsburgh Pirates): Skenes, the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, lived up to the hype in his debut season. The 22-year-old right-hander led all rookies with a 1.96 ERA (minimum 100 innings pitched) and struck out 170 batters. Skenes became the first rookie in modern baseball history to record at least 170 strikeouts with a sub-2.00 ERA. His dominant performance has earned him the second-best odds to win the award at +400, making him a heavy favorite alongside Merrill.
Looking Ahead
The absence of Yamamoto from the finalists list underscores the impact injuries can have on a player’s award chances, regardless of their talent or early-season performance. It also highlights the competitive nature of the rookie class, with several players putting up remarkable numbers throughout the season.
The NL Rookie of the Year award winner will be announced on Monday, November 18, 2024, during a live MLB Network broadcast. As the baseball world awaits the decision, the performances of Chourio, Merrill, and Skenes serve as a testament to the sport’s bright future and the high level of talent emerging in the National League.
While Yamamoto’s rookie campaign may not have resulted in an award nomination, his strong performance when healthy and his playoff heroics suggest that he will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come. The Dodgers’ significant investment in the Japanese star appears poised to pay dividends as they look to build a dynasty in Los Angeles.
