Two MLB Pitchers Named NL & AL Rookies of the Year for the First Time Since 2011

Hard-throwing Pittsburgh Pirates ace pitcher Paul Skenes capped a great season by winning the National League Rookie of the Year Award on Monday. Luis Gil of the New York Yankees, he edged out Baltimore’s Colton Cowser to take the American League honor. It’s the first time the rookie awards have gone to two pitchers since 2011.

Skenes didn’t make his big league debut until May 11 but the right-hander was such an immediate sensation he was selected to start the All-Star Game for the NL on July 16. He beat outfielders Jackson Merrill of the San Diego Padres and Jackson Chourio of the Milwaukee Brewers for the NL rookie prize.