As the Major League Baseball season advances into late July, the battles for the American League (AL) and National League (NL) Rookie of the Year honors are becoming increasingly intense, featuring strikingly different scenarios. The 2025 contests have seen dramatic shifts in betting odds, influenced by standout performances and injury setbacks. Among the narratives unfolding, Drake Baldwin has emerged prominently as the Drake Baldwin NL Rookie Favorite, while Nick Kurtz’s remarkable run has put him far ahead in the AL.
American League Rookie of the Year Race Turns Into a Clear Favorite Battle
The AL Rookie of the Year competition has transitioned from a broad field of contenders to an almost outright frontrunner in Nick Kurtz of the Oakland Athletics. The early season saw multiple players with promising starts, including shortstop Jacob Wilson and Houston Astros third baseman Cam Smith. However, Kurtz’s explosive performances have radically shifted the outlook.
Nick Kurtz began the season as a longshot but quickly climbed the ranks, highlighted by a historic game in which he hit four home runs, propelling his Rookie of the Year odds to staggering favorability. Presently, sportsbooks list Kurtz’s chances with odds ranging from -2000 to as low as -8000, reflecting an overwhelming probability exceeding 95%. His offensive numbers through 69 games—featuring a .305 batting average, 23 home runs, and an OPS of 1.052—place him just behind superstar Aaron Judge in Weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) among qualified hitters.
While Kurtz appears to have secured the award, the season has not been without upheavals. Former AL leader Jacob Wilson fell out of contention due to injury and has seen his odds balloon to +5000. Other early contenders such as Cam Smith, Roman Anthony, and prospect Jasson DomÃnguez remain on the periphery with long odds, effectively trailing for the runner-up spots.
This season’s AL Rookie race illustrates how a single player’s surge can shift a competitive award race into a near certainty as the months progress.
Current Odds for American League Rookie of the Year
- Nick Kurtz -8000
- Cam Smith +2200
- Roman Anthony +3000
- Carlos Narvaez +3000
- Jasson Dominguez +5000
- Jacob Wilson +5000
National League Rookie of the Year Race Remains Highly Competitive
In contrast to the AL’s clear frontrunner, the NL Rookie of the Year race continues to be open and unpredictable. The early favorites in this contest included high-profile international signee Roki Sasaki and domestic talent Dylan Crews, but injuries and struggles adapting to the majors have kept the frontrunner spot in flux.
Currently, Drake Baldwin of the Atlanta Braves has emerged as the leading NL Rookie candidate, holding odds around -175 at most sportsbooks. Baldwin’s rise to the top is the result of steady and consistent production, including 11 home runs and a .277 batting average, combined with strong defensive work as a catcher.
Meanwhile, Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski briefly surged into the lead after a series of strong outings but dropped off after a few struggles, causing bettors and oddsmakers to pivot away from him. The presence of multiple strong contenders such as Isaac Collins, Matt Shaw, and Agustin Ramirez ensures this race remains exciting and tightly contested.
Current Standings in National League Rookie of the Year Odds
- Drake Baldwin -190
- Jacob Misiorowski +250
- Isaac Collins +600
- Matt Shaw +2500
- Agustin Ramirez +2500
- Chase Burns +2800
- Caleb Durbin +3500
- Hyeseong Kim +4000
Responsible Betting Tips for MLB Fans
While sports betting adds excitement to the MLB season, it is important to maintain responsible gambling practices to keep the experience enjoyable and safe. Setting a strict budget, never betting money needed for essentials, and avoiding the temptation to chase losses are key to staying in control. Many reputable sportsbooks offer tools such as deposit limits, temporary breaks, and self-exclusion options to help bettors manage their play.
Keeping perspective is essential; all bets carry risk, and betting should be viewed as entertainment rather than a guaranteed way to profit. Players must understand their limits and seek help when gambling stops being fun or becomes problematic.
- Set a Budget: Only use funds you can afford to lose; never use money for rent, utilities, or groceries.
- Don’t Chase Losses: Avoid risking more money in an attempt to recover previously lost bets.
- Use Betting Controls: Employ features like deposit limits and self-exclusion offered by sportsbooks.
- Maintain Perspective: Treat betting as a form of entertainment, not an investment.
For those who need assistance with gambling issues, support resources are available. New users must be 21 or older to participate. For help with gambling problems, call 1-800-GAMBLER.