Braves Rookie of the Year Candidates: Spencer Strider and Michael Harris II

The Braves are 5.5 games back of the Mets in the NL East after being 10.5 games back a little over a week ago. The meat of the Braves lineup — Ronald Acuna Jr., Dansby Swanson, Austin Riley, and Matt Olson — are all doing their part, but they’ve also had unexpected contributions from William Contreras and others. Some of those others are rookies Spencer Strider and Michael Harris II.

Strider has begun to produce as a starter after beginning the season out of the bullpen. His first start came at the end of May against the Diamondbacks. Even though it wasn’t exactly pretty, he still managed seven strikeouts. The hard-throwing righty’s numbers are still quite impressive overall. Strider is only allowing opposing hitters to hit a .176 average with a 36.8% strikeout percentage, a 2.35 ERA, and a 1.12 WHIP over 38.1 innings pitched.

His blistering fastball and wipeout slider have been giving hitters headaches, but his odds of taking home the NL Rookie of the Year are long. Strider currently sits at +3000 odds, but he is fifth in WAR among MLB rookies.

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However, Michael Harris II isn’t even listed on some betting outlets. He has has only played in 12 games, but his impact for the team is apparent. He’s giving the Braves great defense while providing them with some surprising offense. In 54 at bats, Harris is hitting .296 with an OPS of .747 with five doubles and six RBIs. If he continues to play like this, oddsmakers will have to consider him in the race for Rookie of the Year.

Below are the odds for the top ten:

Player	Team	Odds
MacKenzie Gore	Padres	+150
Nolan Gorman	Cardinals	+250
Seiya Suzuki	Cubs	+600
Alek Thomas	Diamondbacks	+1400
Juan Yepez	Cardinals	+1800
Oneil Cruz	Pirates	+2000
Hunter Greene	Reds	+3000
Spencer Strider	Braves	+3000
Max Meyer	Marlins	+3500
Luis Gonzalez	Giants	+4000

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David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire