The Athletics’ season has been disappointing, as they sit in the cellar of the American League West, but the biggest bright spot has been rookie shortstop Jacob Wilson. According to BetMGM, Wilson has the best odds to win the American League Rookie of the Year award, and his stellar play has made the Athletics more exciting of late.
Entering Thursday, Wilson is batting .353 with seven home runs on the season and has only struck out 12 times. Wilson was the Athletics’ top prospect last season and has reached the majors after playing in just 79 games in the minors. Wilson’s numbers did not jump off the page in his short stint with the Athletics last season, but he has been the most impressive rookie in the American League this season.
Wilson entered the season with the second-best odds, according to BetMGM, but has since begun to runaway as the clear favorite to win the AL Rookie of the Year. There is still plenty of baseball left to be played but the former first round pick is seemingly headed for an All-Star selection and at the very least a finalist appearance for the award.
While the Athletics have not been great to begin their, hopefully short, tenure in Sacramento, they look to have a franchise cornerstone for years to come in Wilson. Wilson sits in second place in the American League for batting average, only behind multiple-time MVP Aaron Judge, and is in the top 12 for both on-base percentage and slugging percentage.
Wilson is putting together a stellar campaign and is going to be a key cog on the Athletics for years to come.
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