The 2024 season featured several outstanding rookie campaigns, but only one player from each league was able to take home the award. Jackie Robinson al Rookie of the Year. This year’s winners were announced Monday night on MLB Network, with Paul Skenes, of the Pirates, and the dominican Luis Gilof the Yankees, taking the recognition.
It is the first time since 1981 – when the remembered Mexican idol Fernando Valenzuela y Dave Righetti They made it – that both award winners are starting pitchers.
In the National LeagueSkenes’ historic season surpassed the decisive performance of Jackson Merrillof the Parentsand the explosive performance of the Venezuelan outfielder Jackson Chourioof the Brewers. In the American LeagueGil prevailed over his battery mate, Austin Wellsand about his rival Eastern Division American League outfielder Colton Cowserof the Orioles.
Skenes broke into the Majors in less than a year after being selected by Pittsburgh first overall in the 2023 MLB Draft. The right-hander debuted on May 11 and not only met enormous expectations, but somehow exceeded them en route to an 11-3 mark with a 1.96 ERA in 23 starts. His 170 strikeouts were a Pirates rookie record.
This recognition from the BBWAA is the latest for Skenes, who this year became the first rookie to open a All-Star Game since 1995 (Hideo Nomo). Skenes’ earned run average led all Major League rookies (minimum 100 innings pitched) and he finished just four strikeouts behind Shota Imanaga for the lead among rookies, although the Cubs left-hander pitched 40.1 more innings.
Skenes became the first rookie to record at least 170 strikeouts and an ERA below 2.00 since that statistic became official in 1913. He also joined the late Cuban José Fernández as the only rookies in the last 35 seasons with at least 10 wins, at least 150 fans and an ERA below 2.50.
The right-hander is only the second member of the Buccaneers to win the Rookie of the Year, accompanying the outfielder Jason Bay (2004). In addition, he is only the fifth number 1 selection overall to be designated with that honor, along with the Puerto Rican Carlos Correa (2015), Bryce Harper (2012), Darryl Strawberry (1983) y Bob Horner (1978).
For his part, Luis Gil had brief stays in 2021 and 2022, but preserved his rookie eligibility until 2024 — and this time he made sure to establish himself in the Seniors. The right-hander established himself as a member of the Yankees’ starting rotation in May, when he went a perfect 6-0 with a 0.70 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 38.2 innings.
Although Gil saw some ups and downs during his first full season in the majors, he still finished with a 3.50 earned run average and a 26.8 percent strikeout rate in 29 starts per game. New York.
Gil becomes the tenth member of the Yankees to win the Rookie of the Year Award, and the first since Aaron Judge in 2017. The 10 recognized in the Bombardiers are the second most in any franchise, below the Dodgers (18).
NL Rookie of the Year award voting results:
Player | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Points
Paul Skenes (Pirates) | 23 | 7| — | 136
Jackson Merrill (Padres) | 7 | 23 | — | 104
Jackson Chourio (Brewers) | — | — | 26 | 26
Shota Imanaga (Dogs) | — | — | 4 | 4
AL Rookie of the Year voting results:
Player | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Points
Luis Gil (Yankees) | 15 | 10 | 1 | 106
Colton Cowser (Orioles) | 13 | 11 | 3 | 101
Austin Wells (Yanquis) | — | 3 | 8 | 17
Mason Miller (Athletics) | 1 | 2 | 5 | 16
Cade Smith (Guardianes) | 1 | 1 | 4 | 12
Wilyer Abreu (Red Sox) | — | 2 | 5 | 11
Wyatt Langford (Rangers) | — | 1 | 4 | 7
