NEW YORK – Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates and fellow pitcher Luis Gil of the New York Yankees have been named Baseball Digest’s rookie of the year.
Skenes, the first pick in the 2023 amateur draft, dazzled during his first season in the Major Leagues. After making his debut on May 11, he was such an immediate sensation that he was selected to start the National League All-Star Game on July 16 in Texas.
The 22-year-old right-hander finished 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA in 23 starts. He struck out 170 batters and walked 32 in 133 innings.
Skenes received nine of 11 first-place votes for the National League award from a panel of baseball writers and broadcasters. The results were announced by the publication.
San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill got the other two first-place votes and finished second.
Gil had a 15-7 record with a 3.50 ERA in 29 games for the American League champions. He recorded 171 strikeouts in 151 2/3 innings.
The 26-year-old right-hander was chosen first on six ballots for the American League award. Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser finished second with three first-place votes, and Oakland Athletics closer Mason Miller finished third with two.
