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    MLB Rookie of the Year odds: Adley Rutschman is a must back at 20-1 as he nears his Orioles debut

    One of the best prospects in all of baseball is poised to make his MLB debut, so now's the time to play his Rookie of the Year odds
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    I have seen the future, and it involves a (relatively) late-call up taking home the AL Rookie of the Year honors. And once again it involves the AL East, and the guy who most believe is the top prospect in baseball. Last year, Wander Franco was recalled from the minors in late May and came up just short. This year I believe Adley Rutschman, the first-overall pick in 2019 who most in the scouting community I have talked believe was ready for MLB this time a year ago, will get it done and take home the honors.

    I strongly suspect that, on the heels of catching five of the last six games for Triple-A Norfolk heading into Thursday night, Friday night could be his debut because of three factors: strong at-bats (exit velocity of 112.6 on a Tuesday home run) and homers in consecutive days, Baltimore's offense being in a deep rut, and the city being ready to go bonkers if he isn't called up soon. If not, it won't be long now. And the AL ROY value is still there while he is toiling away in the International League.

    The Orioles claim he very well may have made the Opening Day roster if not for an injury right before delayed MLB spring training. Well, he is going on a month in a minor-league rehab now, and it would only make sense for him to debut at Camden Yards Friday against the Rays.

    So give me 20-to-1 on the switch-hitting, power-hitting catcher with an unreal eye, high OBP in his blood and the ability to play first base (keeping him fresh and limiting the rigors of catching to start). Baltimore's greatly improved pitching staff is already defying the odds; once Rustchman is up he will start getting that credit as well. His defense has been MLB-ready for years. In 178 career minor league games he's delivered 71 extra base hits, 109 RBI, 110 walks to just 124 strikeouts, and a .282/.391/.489 slash line.

    Also, this class of AL rookies looks much weaker than last year's.

    Steven Kwan won April Rookie of the Month honors, but he isn't a power guy. He had a lower profile in the minors, and he's also on a team that won't be winning a World Series. Injuries derailed Riley Greene, Julio Rodriguez is really young, Spencer Torkelson is struggling mightily, and you always have to weigh the injury and inning-limit risk with a pitcher like Joe Ryan or George Kirby (and some would say Seattle has been overly ambitious pushing prospects while Baltimore is uber-conservative). Jeremy Peña could prove to be competition and has a lead of seven homers and 21 RBI, but I like Rustchman to close on him. Bobby Witt, Jr. was taken one spot behind Rutschman in 2019 but has run hot and cold, is far less seasoned, and isn't playing the premium defensive position he was being groomed for (he's at third, rather than at shortstop, for now).

    We have seen Rustchman at least 25 times in the minors through every rung. I've interviewed him many times. He is polished, smart, driven, and has the kind of growth mindset and makeup any team would covet. His teammates adore him. Pitchers love working with him. His best power comes from the left side, and right field in the AL East offers many a short home run possibility.

    Finally, Adley time is near. He isn't starting that far behind in the AL ROY race, and he won't be bearing pennant chase pressure. There is value in backing him now.

    AL Rookie of the Year odds (Caesars Sportsbook)

    Jeremy Pena +275
    Julio Rodriguez +325
    Joe Ryan +650
    Bobby Witt Jr. +700
    Steven Kwan +1400
    Spencer Torkelson +1400
    Adley Rutschman +2000
    Reid Detmers +2500
    ML Melendez +2500
    George Kirby +3000
    Josh Lowe +3000
    All others +5000 or longer

    Looking for the best picks against the spread, sharp plays on the total and props you can take straight to the pay window? Join Jonathan Coachman on The Early Edge as he speaks with SportsLine's top handicappers to preview the day's biggest games. We promise to keep it short and sweet and to put some green in your pocket. The Early Edge is in your feed every single day by 11 a.m. ET. Subscribe right here on YouTube to watch daily, plus don't miss The Early Edge specials and live shows!

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    Jason La CanforaJLC

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