MLB awards check-in: Three leading Rookie of the Year candidates in each league

We're just over two months into the 2024 MLB season and while it's still early, there's more than enough information to rank our three leading candidates for each Rookie of the Year Award. 

There was quite a bit of buzz surrounding this year's rookie class entering the season, but notable names such as Jackson Chourio, Wyatt Langford and Jackson Holliday haven't lived up to expectations. Nonetheless, this is still an exciting rookie class that boasts several future stars. With that in mind, here are our three leading Rookie of the Year candidates in each league.

Statistics and records are through Sunday's games

American League Rookie of the Year

1. RHP Luis Gil, New York Yankees 

There were plenty of concerns surrounding the Yankees rotation entering the season without Gerrit Cole, yet the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner's absence hasn't been noticeable, largely due to Gil's success. In May, the right-hander went 6-0 with a 0.70 ERA and 44 strikeouts, lowering his ERA on the season to 1.99, the fifth-best in MLB. if he continues to shine, expect Gil to not only take home the AL Rookie of the Year Award, but also garner Cy Young votes. 

2. RHP Mason Miller, Oakland Athletics

The former Division III pitcher's meteoric rise to become one of MLB's most dominant relievers has been nothing short of remarkable. It could culminate in him receiving several honors as the season progresses. Miller, who has the highest WAR (1.4) and most strikeouts (51) among relievers, should be a lock for an All-Star nod and will be the most sought-after player in baseball ahead of the July 30 trade deadline. 

3. OF Colton Cowser, Baltimore Orioles

One of the many Orioles hitters making a name for himself, Cowser has been instrumental in the team's early success this season. The former first-round pick is slashing .236/.328/.435 with seven homers and 25 RBI this season while compiling 1.7 fWAR, the 38th-best mark among position players. Despite his high draft status, Cowser's success comes as somewhat of a surprise, given that he went 7-for-61 at the plate in 26 games last season. 

National League Rookie of the Year

1. LHP Shota Imanaga, Chicago Cubs

Imanaga might not be able to rebound strongly enough to win the NL Cy Young Award after allowing seven runs across 4.1 innings in his last outing. Still, the 30-year-old remains the favorite to earn Rookie of the Year honors. Imanaga started his MLB career on a historic note, posting a 0.84 ERA through his first nine starts, the lowest since 1913. While he doesn't qualify for the FanGraphs leaderboards, Imanaga would rank fifth among starting pitchers in ERA (1.86) and 12th in WHIP (1.000) if he were eligible.

2. RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers 

After lasting one inning in his first major league start, during which he allowed five runs, Yamamoto — who signed a 12-year, $325M deal in free agency — has found his footing. Over his last 11 starts, Yamamoto has compiled a 2.67 ERA and 1.06 WHIP and collected 74 strikeouts. Additionally, Yamamoto ranks 12th among starters in strikeouts per nine innings (10.52) and 18th in walks per nine (1.94), impressive totals considering how his season began.

3. RHP Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates

Although Skenes has only made four starts, the former No. 1 overall pick has pitched like an All-Star, posting a 2.45 ERA while striking out 30 batters and issuing five walks to start his career. According to MLB Pipeline, Skenes is only the fourth pitcher ever to post those numbers through his first four career starts. Yamamoto has been stellar for the most part, but Skenes is Imanaga's biggest threat in the Rookie of the Year race.