Athletics’ Nick Kurtz, Braves’ Drake Baldwin Take Rookie of the 12 months Honors

[ad_1] Athletics slugger Nick Kurtz was a unanimous alternative for American League Rookie of the 12 months, and Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin gained the Nationwide League award.

The 22-year-old Kurtz batted .290 with 36 homers, 86 RBIs and a 1.002 OPS in 117 video games this yr. The primary baseman turned the eighth rookie since 1901 to complete with an OPS over 1.000 whereas making at the very least 400 plate appearances.

A’s teammate Jacob Wilson was second in balloting by the Baseball Writers’ Affiliation of America that was introduced on Monday night time. Purple Sox outfielder Roman Anthony was third.

Baldwin, 24, stepped up for Atlanta after No. 1 catcher Sean Murphy was sidelined by a cracked rib in spring coaching. Whereas Murphy was restricted by accidents for a lot of the yr, Baldwin hit .274 with 19 homers, 80 RBIs and an .810 OPS in 124 video games.

Baldwin’s win secured an additional choice for Atlanta after the primary spherical in subsequent yr’s novice draft underneath the collective bargaining settlement’s prospect promotion incentive.

Baldwin acquired 21 of 30 first-place votes. Cubs right-hander Cade Horton was second, and Brewers third baseman Caleb Durbin completed third. The balloting was performed earlier than the postseason.

Kurtz and Baldwin every get $750,000 from a pre-arbitration bonus pool, and runners-up Wilson and Horton every obtain $500,000.

The Supervisor of the 12 months for every league can be introduced on Tuesday, adopted by the Cy Younger Award winners on Wednesday.

Kurtz, 22, starred at Wake Forest College earlier than he was chosen by the A’s with the No. 4 decide within the 2024 novice draft. The 6-foot-5 slugger started this season within the minors, however he hit an RBI single in his first massive league at-bat on April 23 in opposition to Texas.

It was an indication of issues to return.

He hit a solo drive off Dodgers reliever J.P. Feyereisen for his first massive league homer on Could 13. He belted 4 extra homers in a span of 4 days that very same month, together with his first profession multihomer sport on Could 21 in opposition to the Angels.

He had his signature efficiency on July 25 at Houston, changing into the youngest participant in main league historical past and the primary rookie to hit 4 residence runs in a single sport. He went 6 for six with eight RBIs whereas matching an MLB file with 19 whole bases.

Kurtz is the 14th unanimous choice for AL Rookie of the 12 months and the second from the A’s franchise, becoming a member of Mark McGwire in 1987. He's the ninth winner for the A’s general, sending most within the AL behind the Yankees’ 10.

Baldwin was a third-round decide within the 2022 draft out of Missouri State College. He began on opening day for Atlanta and obtained his first main league hit on March 29 at San Diego.

Baldwin had one among his greatest days of the season on July 21, driving in six runs in a 9-5 victory over San Francisco. He went deep twice and completed with 5 RBIs in his first profession multihomer sport on Aug. 7, an 8-6 win over Miami.

Baldwin is the seventh catcher to win the NL honor and the second from the Braves, becoming a member of Earl Williams in 1971. He's the tenth winner from the Braves franchise general, trailing solely the Dodgers with a file 18.

Reporting by The Related Press.

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