The 2016 NL and AL Rookie of the Years have been announced.
It was no surprise to see Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Corey Seager named NL Rookie of the Year. In fact, he was the unanimous choice of the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA). In his inaugural campaign, Seager hit .308 with 26 home runs and 72 RBIs with an All-Star appearance.
Seager becomes the 17th Dodger to win this honor beginning with Jackie Robinson being bestowed with the inaugural award in 1947. But believe it or not, Seager is the first Dodger to win this honor since Todd Hollandsworth in 1996.
Now I was surprised to see Detroit Tigers starter Michael Fulmer win AL Rookie of the Year. I thought Gary Sanchez's 20 home runs in 201 at bats for the New York Yankees would sway the BBWAA. But instead Fulmer received 26 of 30 first place votes becoming the first Tiger to win AL Rookie of the Year honors since Justin Verlander did it a decade ago. Fulmer went 11-7 with a 3.06 ERA in 26 starts this past season. I'm not sure that outshines Sanchez's 20 dingers. But it could be that the BBWAA favored Fulmer because he pitched the entire season while Sanchez only played from August on. However, last year's AL Rookie of the Year Carlos Correa didn't make his big league debut until June.
Tomorrow the NL and AL Managers of the Year are announced.
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