Baltimore Orioles' Gunnar Henderson and Arizona Diamondbacks' Corbin Carroll Named Jackie Robinson Rookies of the Year
ICARO Media Group
This marks the fifth time in the history of the awards that both winners have earned all of the first-place votes.
Henderson, a key player in the Orioles' stunning turnaround season, emerged as the winner in the American League Rookie of the Year race. After finishing fourth in the AL East in 2022, the Orioles surged to a division-winning season with 101 wins. Henderson's remarkable performance played a pivotal role in their success.
The 22-year-old Henderson secured all 30 first-place votes to tally 150 points, beating out Cleveland Guardians pitcher Tanner Bibee and Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas for the honor. Henderson's impressive rookie campaign included a batting average of .255, an on-base percentage of .325, and a slugging percentage of .489, along with 28 home runs. However, these numbers only tell part of the story of his rookie season.
Henderson started the season in a massive slump, hitting just .201 in the first two months. However, he made a crucial adjustment in June, hitting .320 with six home runs that month. From that point onwards, Henderson's performance soared, hitting .276 with 23 home runs for the remainder of the season.
Recognizing his potential, the Orioles showed unwavering confidence in Henderson, moving him to the top of the batting order as they battled the Tampa Bay Rays for the division title. Alongside his impressive offensive production, Henderson showcased excellent defense at third base and shortstop, earning him a total of 4.6 fWAR, the highest among all American League rookies.
On the other side of the league, the Diamondbacks experienced a remarkable resurgence thanks in large part to outfielder Corbin Carroll. After finishing with 74 wins in 2022, the Diamondbacks embraced a youth movement, resulting in an 84-win season, a playoff appearance, and an unexpected run to the World Series. Carroll played a pivotal role throughout the season.
Entering the season as a highly-touted prospect, Carroll lived up to the expectations as he secured the National League Rookie of the Year award. With an impressive stat line of .285/.362/.506, 25 home runs, and 54 stolen bases, Carroll contributed not only on offense but also showcased excellent defense in the outfield. He finished the season with 6.0 fWAR, the highest among all rookies, and earned a spot in the All-Star Game in his debut season.
Carroll's impact was evident from the start, hitting .309 in the opening month of the season. He quickly rose through the lineup, becoming the Diamondbacks' spark plug as they fought for a playoff spot. Carroll was primarily seen as the team's No. 3 hitter, but he assumed the leadoff role in September, solidifying his importance in their remarkable run to the World Series.
While Carroll's postseason performances were not considered in the voting, his contributions during the regular season were undeniable. As the Diamondbacks aim to prove that their success was not a one-year wonder, Carroll's continued progress will be crucial in their pursuit of contention in the NL West.
As the recipients of the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year honors, both Henderson and Carroll have showcased exceptional skill and promise in their debut seasons. With expectations now even higher, these talented rookies have laid the foundation for not only personal success but also for the future success of their respective teams.