Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu and New York Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom were named the American League and National League Rookies of the Year on Monday.
Abreu’s award was particularly noteworthy because he was a unanimous winner. He earned all 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers Association of America.
Los Angeles Angels right-hander Matt Shoemaker and New York Yankees reliever Dellin Betances finished second and third, respectively.
Abreu, 27, led all rookies in home runs (36), RBIs (107), hits (176), doubles (35), runs scored (80), OBP (.383), slugging percentage (.581) and OPS (.964).
“I don’t have any words to describe this moment,” Abreu said through a translator on the MLB Network telecast. “I consider myself a good hitter, and I guess I’ve proven it.”
Since the first year of the Rookie of the Year Award in 1947, only four rookies batted at least .300, hit at least 30 home runs, and driven in at least 100 runs. All were named Rookie of the Year.
DeGrom was also a clear-cut winner in the National League, receiving 26 of 30 first-place votes. Cincinnati Reds center fielder Billy Hamilton and St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Kolten Wong finished second and third, respectively.
DeGrom, 26, went 9-6 with a 2.69 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 140 1/3 innings pitched over 22 starts.