Mason Miller Should Be AL Rookie Of The Year Frontrunner

The American League Rookie of the Year race is heating up, and while names like Colton Cowser, Austin Wells, and Luis Gil are at the forefront of the conversation, Oakland Athletics' closer Mason Miller deserves to be the frontrunner. Despite a standout season, Miller is still behind these players in the odds, with his incredible performance somehow being overlooked.

At the time of this writing, here are the BetMGM odds: Cowser +650, Wells +1000, Ceddanne Rafaela +2800, Wilyer Abreu +2500, Gil +3000, Colt Keith +4000 and Miller +4000.

A Dominant Season for the A's Closer

Mason Miller has been nothing short of exceptional in his rookie campaign for the Oakland Athletics. His statistics are not just impressive—they're elite. At the time of this writing, Miller has posted a 1.80 ERA, ranking 10th among all qualified MLB relievers. His FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) is an astounding 1.75, the second-best in the league among all qualified relievers (not just rookies), while his xFIP (expected FIP) leads all qualified pitchers at 2.18. These advanced metrics highlight Miller's effectiveness, removing the luck factors that can sometimes inflate a pitcher's traditional stats.

Miller also dominates in terms of strikeouts, with a staggering 44.1% strikeout rate, the best among his peers. Opposing hitters have struggled mightily against him, batting just .125, the second-best mark in the Majors. Furthermore, Miller has induced soft contact at a 25.6% rate, the fourth-best, showing that even when hitters make contact, it’s rarely solid. His SIERA (Skill-Interactive ERA) of 1.80 is the best in the majors, underscoring his dominance.

With a WHIP of 0.76, 50.0 innings pitched over 42 games, 21 saves, and just 21 hits allowed, Miller has been nearly untouchable. His 2.2 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) is the highest among all relievers, reflecting his value to the Athletics this season. Despite the team's struggles, with a 56-75 record, Miller has shined brightly, earning a well-deserved spot on the AL All-Star team.

The Competition

While Miller’s numbers are jaw-dropping, the Rookie of the Year race is stiff, with several talented players vying for the title. Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser is the current favorite with -650 odds, boasting a solid season with a .247/.323/.448 slash line, 19 home runs, and 57 RBIs across 124 games. Yankees catcher Austin Wells is another contender at +1000, hitting .253/.343/.424 with 10 home runs and 38 RBIs in 90 games.

Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu, Red Sox shortstop Cedeanne Rafaela, Tigers second baseman Colt Keith, and Yankees starting pitcher Luis Gil are also in the mix. While these players have had strong seasons, none have displayed the same level of dominance in their respective roles as Miller has in his.

Historical Precedent

Relievers rarely win the Rookie of the Year award, but when they do, it’s typically because of an extraordinary season. In 2020, Devin Williams won the NL Rookie of the Year with a similarly dominant performance. In the American League, four relievers have won the award since 2000, two of whom were also Athletics: Huston Street in 2005 and Andrew Bailey in 2009. Others include Kazuhiro Sasaki in 2000 and Neftali Feliz in 2010.

Miller’s season is on par with these historic performances, making his candidacy all the more compelling.

Why Miller Should Be the Frontrunner

Mason Miller's season is not just about numbers; it's about impact. He has been the most dominant reliever in the sport, providing a rare bright spot for an Athletics team mired in a tough season. Unlike his competition, Miller has already established himself as a star, with a level of consistency and dominance that should not be overlooked.

In a race where rookies are often judged by their overall contribution to their team’s success, Miller’s role as a closer for the A's, combined with his superior stats, should make him the clear frontrunner for the American League Rookie of the Year. The historical precedent is there, the numbers are there, and most importantly, the impact is undeniable. It’s time for the voters to give Mason Miller the recognition he deserves.

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