Kurtz & Baldwin Win Rookie Of The Year Awards

Athletics slugger Nick Kurtz is a unanimous choice for American League Rookie of the Year, and Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin is the winner of the National League honor. The 22-year-old Kurtz batted .290 with 36 homers, 86 RBIs and a 1.002 OPS in 117 games this year. The first baseman became the eighth rookie since 1901 to finish with an OPS over 1.000 while making at least 400 plate appearances. The 24-year-old Baldwin stepped up for Atlanta after No. 1 catcher Sean Murphy was sidelined by a cracked rib in spring training. Baldwin hit .274 with 19 homers, 80 RBIs and an .810 OPS in 124 games.