MLB Network Analyst Picks Dodgers Young Star as Early NL Rookie of the Year Favorite

The Dodgers have gone to a full youth movement this season. Between James Outman, Miguel Vargas and even, most recently, Michael Busch, the Dodgers have loaded their lineup with rookies. They desperately needed some new guys to step up, and thus far, the rookies have.

However, one is separating himself not only from the rest of the Dodger rookies, but also from the rest of Major League Baseball's rookie.

James Outman is off to a sensational start this season. Through 26 games, the rookie is slashing .287/.367/.644 with seven home runs and 19 runs batted in. He also has four doubles, three triples, two stolen bases and 10 walks. He's one of just six players in the entire league with an OPS above 1.000.

So Outman hasn't just been better than the MLB's rookies — he's been better than almost everyone in the entire league, at least as a batter. That's why, he's risen up the odds leaderboards for the National League Rookie of the Year Award.

Over on the MLB Network, four analysts were doing a segment called "Into It or Over It." Robert Flores was asked if he was "into" or "over" the idea of Dodgers rookie James Outman winning the NL Rookie of the Year Award. Despite the tough competition in the National League, he was all for it.

"I’m into it," Flores said. "He’s hitting tanks. He looks great."

Who will be the NL Rookie of the Year this season? #MLBCentral pic.twitter.com/KvACVT2u5c
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 26, 2023

He didn't have to say much more than that as, right now, Outman has to be considered one of the favorites. Obviously, it's very early in the season, but Outman has put himself towards the top of a loaded rookie class, showing off the power, the speed and even the arm in the outfield — he has four outfield assists already this year.

For what it's worth, another great option is Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll, and he and Outman will probably be competing for the crown all year long. But right now, Flores likes Outman's chances — and I think a lot of people would agree with that.