Padres' Jackson Merrill emerging as top NL Rookie of the Year contender
- Padres' player Jackson Merrill is now considered a leading candidate for NL Rookie of the Year.
- Merrill's performance and potential have positioned him as a standout player in the league.
- Fans and experts are excited about Merrill's chances for the prestigious award.
In a surprising turn of events, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, once the overwhelming favorite for the National League Rookie of the Year, has seen his odds plummet as the season progresses. In late July, Skenes was so favored that a Las Vegas bookmaker even suspended betting on the award. However, as he prepares to face the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday, Skenes finds himself no longer leading the race. San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill has emerged as the new frontrunner for the prestigious award. As of this week, Merrill has overtaken Skenes, becoming the odds-on favorite at -170 on ESPN BET. Just a month ago, Skenes' odds were as short as -5,000, reflecting his dominance in the early season. However, the Pirates' struggles, with a 2-3 record in Skenes' starts since the All-Star break, have contributed to his decline in favor. Merrill's rise has been remarkable, transitioning from a 50-1 long shot in June to the top contender. His impressive performance, boasting a .291 batting average, 18 home runs, and 71 RBIs, has played a significant role in the Padres' success. Currently, the Padres are tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the NL wild-card spot and trail the Los Angeles Dodgers by four games in the NL West. Since the All-Star break, a significant majority of bets—58.2% of total wagers—have been placed on Merrill to win the NL Rookie of the Year, indicating a strong shift in public sentiment and confidence in his candidacy.