White Sox prospects Robert and Kopech top AL Rookie of the Year odds

Few Major League Baseball teams do a better job of developing young talent than the Chicago White Sox, who have enjoyed immense success lately with the likes of Jose Abreu, Yoan Moncada, Eloy Jimenez, and Lucas Giolito. All four players have blossomed into bona fide big leaguers and, in the case of Abreu, appear to be on the brink of superstardom.

Chicago is hoping to have two more success stories this summer, with Cuban outfielder Luis Robert and electrifying right-hander Michael Kopech, both of whom are expected to battle for the American League Rookie of the Year Award. Oddsmakers are giving Robert a slight edge at +250, but Kopech isn’t far behind at +300.

Let’s take a closer look at both players, as well as one other contender, who may be worth a wager.

Robert is the real deal

Expectations are sky high for Robert, who was named Chicago’s Minor League Player of the Year in 2019, after he hit .328, with 32 home runs and 92 RBIs, at three different levels. In an era of increased specialization, the 22-year-old masher is as close to a five-tool player as you’ll find anywhere.

Robert’s transition to the majors should be aided by fellow Cuban stars Abreu and Moncada, who have made a point to take him under their wings. The three players have adjoining lockers and, more importantly, share a tremendous passion for the game.

Kopech's velocity is off the charts

The first — and maybe only — thing you need to know about Kopech is his otherworldly velocity. The native Texan threw one of the fastest pitches in baseball history in 2016, when he hit 110 mph on the radar gun during an offseason workout.

Kopech’s rocket-like arm caught the attention of the White Sox, who nabbed the hard-throwing right-hander that December, as part of a multi-player trade for Chris Sale.

Kopech spent the next two seasons in Chicago’s minor-league system, where he mowed down overmatched batters at an alarming rate. His A+ stuff earned him an invitation to the big club on Aug. 21, 2018 and he compiled a 1-1 record with a 5.02 ERA, before he experienced a significant tear in his UCL. The White Sox shut him down immediately and Kopech underwent Tommy John surgery Sept. 18.

Kopech spent the next year diligently rehabbing, and showed signs of promise during his one spring-training outing in March, when he struck out one and retired the side in an inning of work. The White Sox optioned him to Triple-A Charlotte on March 26, and he’ll begin the season in the minors, as he continues to round into form.

Don't overlook Luzardo

It’s easy to understand why oddsmakers are bullish on Robert and Kopech. Both players have huge upside, but they also come with red flags. Unlike many members of this year’s rookie class, Robert has never had a big-league at-bat, and he struck out frequently in spring training, against second-rate pitchers. Kopech, meanwhile, missed an entire season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, and could spend a month or more in the minors as the White Sox focus on his long-term health and development.

If you're looking for more of a sure thing, you may want to consider Jesus Luzardo. The A’s left-hander posted a dazzling 1.50 ERA over six games with Oakland last season, and struck out 13 over 8 1/3 innings this spring. Luzardo is considered by many to be the league’s second best pitching prospect, after San Diego’s MacKenzie Gore, and is well worth taking a flyer on, given the uncertainty surrounding Robert and Kopech.

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