It was tonight that the identity of the rookies of the year was unveiled in major league baseball.
In the American League, it was no surprise that Julio Rodriguez was crowned champion. The Mariners outfielder was allowed 29 of 30 first-place votes.
In fact, only Ben Nicholson-Smith (Sportsnet) voted for Adley Rutschman because of Rutschman’s impact on the Orioles.
But it was close, he confessed.
Due to the new rules in place, J-Rod allows the Mariners one more draft pick because he started the year in Seattle as a top-100 prospect.
Adley Rutschman gets a year of service. Both guys will also have money.
J-Rod, who signed a long-term contract during the season, is not the only player to have been entitled to such treatment since another “extended” won a rookie of the year title.
Michael Harris II, of the Braves, is the winner in the National.
With 22 first-place votes, whoever was in the AA at the end of May has had a meteoric rise. He stabilized the center field.
Spencer Strider would also have been a good choice.
These are not necessarily surprises, even if I would have named Strider in the National. Nothing against Harris II, on the contrary, but the pitcher finished strong.
Kudos to the young people.
- Sean Murphy at the Rays?
- Ronald Acuna Jr. is not up for trade.
- Aaron Judge could very well be the next captain of the Yankees – if he returns.
