Detroit's Akil Baddoo Rising Up Rookie of Year Odds List

Preseason expectations for the Detroit Tigers were low, but so far, it hasn’t been all that bad.

Detroit is 3-3 after six games and sits just a game back of the Minnesota Twins for the division lead.

One of the bright spots in the team’s decent start is rookie outfielder Akil Baddoo, who has made the most of his start to the season. He hit a home run on the first pitch he saw in the majors, then slugged a grand slam in his second game. Baddoo followed those up by driving in the winning run in his third game to give the Tigers a 4-3 win on Tuesday.

Baddoo is one of the bigger young names right now given his start, and for those who believe it could be the start of something for Baddoo, they can wager on him to win the American League Rookie of the Year. Baddoo’s sports betting odds are currently at +1200 on BetMGM to win the award.

Residents in Michigan can bet on Baddoo to win the Rookie of the Year award at any of the mobile sportsbooks offering odds on the award. Michigan recently launched its internet sports betting and online casino platforms on Jan. 22.

Baddoo’s Surprise Start

Baddoo’s early success becomes even more impressive when you realize his story.

Baddoo was drafted by the Twins out of high school five years ago, but recently, his career had been derailed. He missed most of the 2019 season due to Tommy John surgery before the pandemic ruled out all of the minor leagues in 2023. Total, he’s played just 29 games since 2019 and none came above High-A.

With his durability and health concerns, the Twins left Baddoo unprotected in the Rule 5 Draft, allowing the Tigers to select him over the winter.

Despite his recent health issues and the pandemic, Baddoo managed to hit a home run on the first pitch he saw in the majors.

Tigers Rookie of the Year History

Baddoo now has the best odds of any of the Tigers for the Rookie of the Year award, edging out Case Mize (+1500). Baddoo’s odds are currently tied for the fifth-best to win the award.

If Baddoo or Mize were able to win the award, they would become the sixth Tiger in history to win AL Rookie of the Year.

Harvey Kuenn was the first within the Detroit organization to win the award back in 1953. Mark Fidrych (1976), Lou Whitaker (1978), Justin Verlander (2006) and Michael Fulmer (2016) were the others to receive the award.