Meet the Unanimous Rookies of the Year: Corbin Carroll and Gunnar Henderson
Imagine the excitement of being hailed as the best up-and-coming talent in major league baseball. That’s exactly what happened for Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll and Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson. They’ve been crowned the Rookie of the Year Award winners, a feat achieved unanimously by both league’s winners for only the fifth time in history.
The Prospect Promotion Incentive Perk
Both Carroll and Henderson kicked off the season in the big leagues, not only showcasing their top-notch skills but also earning their teams an extra first-round pick in 2024. This bonus comes courtesy of the Prospect Promotion Incentive, a clever move by the players’ union during collective-bargaining talks to discourage service-time manipulation.
Corbin Carroll: A Diamond in the Diamondbacks’ Lineup
At just 23, Carroll is a force to be reckoned with. He’s expected to rank high in the National League Most Valuable Player voting, thanks to his impressive .285/.362/.506 batting line, 25 home runs, and 54 stolen bases. These stats not only dazzled fans but also placed him second in the major leagues for stolen bases, right behind NL MVP favorite Ronald Acuna Jr.
Gunnar Henderson: Orioles’ Infield Gem
Henderson, at 22, has been instrumental in leading the Orioles to a 101-61 season and an American League East title. His blend of power and smooth defense earned him the Rookie of the Year title, making him the Orioles’ first recipient since Gregg Olson in 1989.
The Runners-Up in the Rookie Race
Not to be overlooked, Cleveland Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee and Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas snagged second and third places, Respectively. In the National League, New York Mets right-hander Kodai Senga and Los Angeles Dodgers’ James Outman rounded out the top three.
A Look Back at the Under Armour All-American Game
Flashback to 2018, when Carroll and Henderson shared the field at the Under Armour All-American Game. They played alongside future stars like Bobby Witt Jr. and Anthony Volpe. Carroll’s performance was notable, going 2 for 3 with a run scored, while Henderson contributed with a pair of RBIs.
“So many of the young, exciting players in our league happened to be from that year,” Carroll reflected, expressing his admiration for his fellow players.
Carroll’s Record-Breaking Rookie Season
With a 6.0 FanGraphs wins above replacement, Carroll delivered one of the most productive rookie seasons in recent history. The Diamondbacks recognized his potential early on, securing him with an eight-year, $111 million contract. Carroll’s success helped propel the Diamondbacks to the World Series, their first appearance in over two decades.
Carroll’s pride in contributing an additional draft pick to the Diamondbacks’ future was evident. “That’s probably what brought the most weight to chasing something like this for me,” he said, emphasizing the team benefit over personal glory.
Henderson’s Stellar Debut and Unanimous Win
Henderson’s debut season was nothing short of spectacular, with 28 home runs, 82 RBIs, and 100 runs scored. His performance not only earned him the Rookie of the Year title but also placed him among the top shortstops in the league.
“We got a taste of it being in the [ALDS],” Henderson said, eager to experience the energy of the crowd at Camden Yards once again.
The Promising Pitchers: Bibee and Senga
Bibee, a 24-year-old with the Guardians, finished his season with a remarkable 2.98 ERA. Senga, at 30, made a successful transition from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball to the Mets, captivating fans with his Ghost Fork pitch.
The Rewards of Excellence
Winning the Rookie of the Year Award comes with more than just prestige. Henderson and Carroll will each receive a $750,000 bonus, while Bibee will enjoy a $500,000 bonus for his second-place finish. Senga, however, will not receive a bonus due to his previous professional status in Japan.
Other Notable Rookies
The talent pool was deep, with players like Houston Astros catcher Yainer Diaz and Boston outfielder Masataka Yoshida receiving votes. In the National League, Colorado outfielder Nolan Jones and Cincinnati’s duo Matt McLain and Spencer Steer also garnered attention.
As we celebrate the achievements of these young stars, it’s clear that the future of baseball is in capable hands. With their undeniable talent and the excitement they bring to the game, Carroll and Henderson are names we’ll be hearing for a long time to come.
