BREAKING: Nick Kurtz of the Oakland Athletics and Drake Baldwin of the Atlanta Braves have just been named Rookies of the Year by Baseball Digest, reflecting their outstanding performances this season. The announcement was made today, confirming their remarkable impact on Major League Baseball.
Kurtz, just 22 years old, dazzled fans with his debut on April 23, 2023, where he posted an impressive batting average of .290, along with 36 home runs and 86 RBIs in 117 games. Notably, he made history on July 25 as the youngest player ever to hit four home runs in a single game, achieving this feat against the Houston Astros. Drafted fourth overall from Wake Forest, Kurtz received all 11 first-place votes for the American League award, showcasing his dominance and widespread recognition among baseball writers and broadcasters.
Meanwhile, Baldwin, aged 24, made his big league debut on opening day in late March, contributing significantly to his team with a batting average of .274, 19 home runs, and 80 RBIs across 124 games. He secured first-place votes on seven ballots for the National League prize, underscoring his vital role for the Braves this season. Chicago Cubs pitcher Cade Horton was a close contender, receiving the remaining four first-place votes.
The results were revealed by Baseball Digest on Thursday, igniting excitement in the baseball community. Both Kurtz and Baldwin are also finalists for the prestigious Rookie of the Year awards presented by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, with the winners set to be announced on Monday.
This recognition highlights the emerging talent in Major League Baseball and the promising future of both players. As the league continues to evolve, fans are eager to see how these young stars will shape the game moving forward.
Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming awards announcement and further developments in the MLB landscape.