Pittsburgh Pirates young sensation Paul Skenes inherited the National League Most Outstanding Rookie award Monday, as MLB announces the winners of various individual honors through Thursday.
The 22-year-old ace pitcher was ahead of two outfielders, Jackson Merrill of the San Diego Padres and Jackson Chourio of the Milwaukee Brewers.
During a remarkable first season on the mound in the majors, Skenes compiled an 11-3 record, with a 1.96 ERA, as well as a WHIP (hits and walks allowed per inning) microscopic 0.95.
Skenes didn’t make his major league baseball debut until May 11, but the right-hander immediately became a sensation. He participated in the All-Star game on July 16.
The 22-year-old, selected with the first pick in the 2023 draft, was 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA in 23 starts. He struck out 170 batters and allowed 32 walks in 133 innings.
He received 23 first-place votes for 136 points, while Merrill had seven first-place votes and 104 points. Chourio had 26 points.
Skenes is also a finalist for the National Cy-Young trophy.
He became the second Pirates player to win this honor after Jason Bay in 2004. He is the 24th pitcher to be named the best rookie in the National League.
In the American, two representatives of the New York Yankees were among the finalists, and it was ultimately another pitcher, the young right-hander Luis Gil, who was chosen.
This is the first time the Rookie of the Year award has been awarded to a pitcher in both leagues since 2011, when the work of Tampa Bay Rays starter Jeremy Hellickson and Atlanta Braves reliever was recognized .
Gil’s fellow catcher Austin Wells and outfielder Colton Cowser of the Baltimore Orioles rounded out the trio of finalists.
Gil, who entered the Yankees’ rotation when Gerrit Cole was injured early in the season, received 15 first-place votes and 106 points. Cowser was selected first overall 13 times, totaling 101 points. Wells had 17 points.
Gil posted a 15-7 record and 3.50 ERA in 29 starts for the American League champions. He fanned 171 opponents in 151 2/3 innings.
These honors are awarded at the end of each season by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BWAA).
