MLB ROY rankings: Skenes pulling away, AL wide open

Welcome to the third edition of theScore's 2024 Rookie of the Year rankings, where we look at the top five rookies in each league. Odds courtesy of theScore Bet.

American League

5. Wilyer Abreu, Red Sox

Abreu is becoming an integral part of the Red Sox lineup, as he's appeared in 81 of their 107 games. His .821 OPS ranks fourth on the team among players with 250 plate appearances, while his six defensive runs saved rank second on the team behind Jarren Duran.

4. Austin Wells, Yankees

Wells struggled through the first two months of the season but has really turned it on since the beginning of June. He was especially good in July, tallying five homers, 14 RBIs, and a .942 OPS. The Yankees backstop leads rookie catchers in games played, homers, RBIs, hits, and runs scored.

3. Mason Miller, Athletics

Miller was right in the thick of the AL Rookie of the Year race when he broke his finger on his non-throwing hand by pounding his fist on a training table out of frustration. There's no official timeline for his return, and Miller falls in our rankings as healthy players continue to get results on the field.

2. Colton Cowser, Orioles

Cowser got back on track in July and looked like the player we saw at the start of the season. The Orioles outfielder slashed .315/.378/.507 with four home runs and 13 RBIs last month and continues to lead all qualified rookies in home runs and fWAR.

1. Luis Gil, Yankees

Gil continues to look like a front-runner for AL Rookie of the Year, ranking first among qualified AL rookies in ERA, strikeouts, innings pitched and WHIP. The right-hander's allowed two earned runs or less in 14 of his 21 starts. He could become the first Yankee to win Rookie of the Year since Aaron Judge in 2017 and the franchise's first pitcher to claim the honor since Dave Righetti in 1981.

National League

5. Michael Busch, Cubs

The 26-year-old is tied for second among MLB rookies in homers, tied for third in runs scored, sixth in slugging percentage, and fifth in fWAR. Busch also leads MLB first baseman in defensive runs saved.

4. Masyn Winn, Cardinals

Winn is cooling off at the plate after a strong start, but his glove continues to be elite. The 22-year-old leads MLB shortstops in defensive runs saved while ranking in the 85th percentile in outs above average and 96th percentile in arm strength.

3. Jackson Merrill, Padres

Merrill represented the Padres in the All-Star Game amid a solid debut campaign that includes 33 extra-base hits and a rookie-leading 107 hits. He also paces qualified NL rookies in batting average and ranks in the 94th percentile in arm strength on defense.

2. Shota Imanaga, Cubs

Imanaga is looking like an ace in his rookie campaign. The Cubs southpaw ranks first among qualified NL rookies in walks per nine and second in ERA. He's pitched well against some of the league's best teams, shutting out the Dodgers, Mariners, Braves, Mets, and Orioles in 27 1/3 innings this season.

1. Paul Skenes, Pirates

The Pirates rookie has set baseball on fire since his debut on May 11. Skenes left two starts with no-hitters intact, made easy work of some of baseball's best hitters during an All-Star Game start, and is a major reason why Pittsburgh is in playoff contention. Oh, and he accomplished all of this in just three months. Rookie of the Year is a lock if he continues on this trajectory.