Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes on Monday capped a remarkable season by winning National League (NL) Rookie of the Year by a wide margin, while the New York Yankees pitcher picked up the American League award.
Skenes was the heralded fireballer who equaled the hype, to the point he started the All-Star Game just two months after making his big league debut, while Gil was an afterthought for the Yankees, earning a spot in their rotation only when ace Gerrit Cole was injured in spring training.
Skenes won by a wide margin over San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill and Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio. Gil edged Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser to take the American League honor, with Yankees catcher Austin Wells finishing third.
Photo: AP
It is the first time the rookie awards went to two pitchers since 2011, when Tampa Bay Rays starter Jeremy Hellickson and Atlanta Braves closer Craig Kimbrel won.
“I was super pleased with what happened this year in terms of going out there and competing, but there’s more work to be done for sure,” said Skenes, who planned to celebrate with his girlfriend, Louisiana State University gymnast and influencer Livvy Dunne.
The Pirates and their fans were excited from the moment the team selected Skenes with the top pick in last year’s amateur draft. He did not make his major 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.
The 22-year-old Skenes finished 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA in 23 starts. He struck out 170 and walked 32 in 133 innings.
He said he is looking forward to pitching a full season next year.
“I think it starts now. The post-season is flying by and I can’t wait for spring training to start already,” Skenes said. “I think the biggest thing is going to be proving it over a full season next year also.”
Skenes received 23 first-place votes and finished with 136 points in balloting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, while Merrill had seven firsts and 104 points. They were listed on all entries.
Skenes, who is also a finalist for the NL Cy Young Award, is the second Pirates player to win the award after Jason Bay in 2004.
Gil received 15 first-place votes and 106 points, while Cowser got 13 firsts and 101 points.
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