Reds pitcher Connor Overton could join some illustrious company if he accomplishes this feat

As unconventional as it may seem, Connor Overton has emerged as one of the best starting pitchers on the Cincinnati Reds roster. Based on stats alone, none of the Cincinnati starters are performing better than the former Pittsburgh Pirates hurler.

Overton is 1-0 with a 1.82 ERA and 0.892 WHIP. Oddly, however, the right-hander has just 10 punch outs over 24.2 innings of work. While some suggest that there's no way Overton can maintain his success throughout the 2022 season, no one seems to have figured him out as of yet.

With the level of success that Overton is having, it's difficult to remember that he's still considered a rookie. At this stage of the game, you'd have to consider Overton in the running for the National League Rookie of the Year, right?

Connor Overton could become the oldest starter to win NL Rookie of the Year.

Connor Overton will turn 29 years old in July. If the right-hander were to somehow be able to capture the NL Rookie of the Year Award, he would become the oldest starting pitcher to do so. Jack Sanford currently holds that record. At the age of 28, the former Philadelphia Phillies starter struck out 188 batters in 1952 en route to winning the prestigious award.

The oldest player ever to take home the Rookie of the Year trophy was Sam Jethroe of the Boston Braves in 1950. Jethroe scored 100 runs, stole a league-leading 35 bases, and smacked 18 round trippers for the Braves. Jethroe was 33 years old.

The oldest pitcher to ever win Rookie of the Year was former Japanese star Kazuhiro Sasaki. The 32-year-old became the Seattle Mariners' closer in 2000 and won the AL Rookie of the Year by besting Oakland A's outfielder Terrence Long.

It's early, and Connor Overton has his work cut out for him. Heck, he may face the greatest competition for the award from within his own clubhouse. Hunter Greene, Alexis Díaz, and Nick Lodolo may all be in the conversation for the Jackie Robinson Award. Last year's winner is a teammate of Overton's as well; second baseman Jonathan India.