Paul Skenes Named National League Rookie of the Year

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes was named the National League Rookie of the Year after an impressive debut season, receiving 23 out of 30 first-place votes. Skenes, the first Pirate to win the award since Jason Bay in 2004, recorded an 11-3 record with a 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts over 133 innings, marking one of the best rookie campaigns for a pitcher in MLB history. In the American League, New York Yankees pitcher Luis Gil took home the award with a 15-7 record and a 3.50 ERA, narrowly edging out teammate Colton Cowser. Both Skenes and Gil are also finalists for the respective Cy Young Awards, with the winner for Skenes expected to be announced soon. Skenes attributed his success to the support of those around him, and despite his accolades, he expressed humility, suggesting that Chris Sale deserves the Cy Young recognition. The 22-year-old's achievements include being the first starting pitcher to win the NL Rookie of the Year since Jacob deGrom in 2014.