Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes capped a remarkable season by being named National League rookie of the year Monday, while New York Yankees gunner Luis Gil earned the same title in the American.
Updated yesterday at 8:44 p.m.
Bernie Wilson
Associated Press
This is the first time that 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 .
Skenes didn’t make his major league baseball debut until May 11, but the right-hander immediately became a sensation. He was chosen over San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill and Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio.
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 participated in the All-Star Game on July 16.
“I was very pleased with what happened this year on the field, but there’s definitely still work to do,” commented Skenes, who is looking forward to pitching a full season next year.
“I think it starts now. The playoffs are flying by and I can’t wait for training camp to begin. I think the most important thing will be to prove myself over a full season. »
Skenes 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.
Gil, who entered the Yankees’ rotation when Gerrit Cole was injured early in the season, received 15 first-place votes and 106 points. Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser was selected first overall 13 times, totaling 101 points.
PHOTO STEPHEN BRASHEAR, ARCHIVES ASSOCIATED PRESS
Luis Gil
“It means so much to me,” Gil said. I am so happy to be able to win this award. Everyone at home is happy and proud of me. I am also proud of the opportunity given to me by the team. It turned out to be a good season for me, a great experience. »
Receiver Austin Wells, Gil’s teammate with the Bronx Bombers, 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.
How might winning the Rookie of the Year award influence the future careers of Luis Gil and Quinn Skenes in Major League Baseball?
1. How does it feel for Luis Gil to win the American League Rookie of the Year award alongside fellow pitcher Quinn Skenes in the National League?
2. What does this award mean for both Luis Gil and Quinn Skenes, and how has their journey been so far in their respective leagues?
3. With both players being recognized for their outstanding performances, what challenges do they foresee in maintaining their success in future seasons?
4. How significant is it for Quinn Skenes to win the award as a pitcher, given that it’s been more than a decade since a pitcher was last recognized in both leagues?
5. How did the struggle of San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill, who came in second place for the NL Rookie of the Year, affect his performance throughout the season?
6. How has the presence of both players impacted their respective teams’ performance during the postseason run?
