With just a few weeks left in the 2024 MLB season, Austin Wells has emerged as the front-runner for American League Rookie of the Year.
The Yankees catcher took over as the starter for Jose Trevino, who was sidelined earlier this season with a quadriceps injury, and has been a surprisingly big part of the Bronx Bombers' success this year.
Wells also frequently played as the Yankees' cleanup hitter behind Juan Soto and Aaron Judge, providing needed defensive support for the team's two superstars.
Wells helped the Yankees come from behind to beat the Royals 10-4 on Monday, hitting a game-tying, three-run homer in the bottom of the seventh inning. FanDuel Sportsbook has Wells priced at -140 to win the award, just ahead of Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser at +135.
Wells has played in 100 games for the Yankees this season, batting .252/.342/.438 with 13 home runs and 49 RBIs.
He also had a +11 Fielding Run Value, fourth-best in baseball, and emerged as one of the best defensive catchers in baseball.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Monday that Wells deserves to be in the running to win a championship, but said he never imagined the 25-year-old would play like this coming into the year.
“No, not at this level,” Boone said. From MLB.com“He hasn't been at his level in recent months, hitting the fourth hole behind Aaron Judge, and there's a good reason for that.”
Wells was listed as +2,500 odds to win at BetMGM during spring training but has taken the lead in the American League Rookie of the Year race, which has been tight all season.
Everything you need to know about MLB betting
Orioles phenom Jackson Holiday was a favorite to win the title going into the season, but his early season struggles caused him to quickly fall down the odds board.
In early June, Yankees pitcher Luis Gil was leading the league with a dominant early career performance, but he lost some steam as the summer wore on.
Gil remains the third favorite (+850) on FanDuel.
