Rodriguez, Harris win MLB rookie awards

Julio Rodriguez was voted the American League Rookie of the Year on Monday after lifting the Seattle Mariners back to the playoffs for the first time in 21 years.

Fellow centre-fielder Michael Harris II of the Atlanta Braves joined him later in the night by winning the National League Rookie of the Year award.

Rodriguez received 29 of the 30 available first-place votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America to win in a landslide with 148 total points. Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman received the other first-place vote and finished a distant second (68 points). Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan (44) was third.

The 21-year-old All-star outfielder made a smashing debut in spring training.

He survived a slow start — six hits in 44 at-bats — before surging to break Angels outfielder Mike Trout’s record for fewest number of games (125) needed to reach 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases.

Rodriguez ended the season with 28 home runs, 25 steals and was named one of three outfielders to earn the AL Silver Slugger Award. He hit .284 with 75 RBIS and 40 walks.

Harris received 22 firstplace votes and eight secondplace votes from the BBWAA voters to finish with 134 total points. He beat out Braves teammate Spencer Strider, a right-handed starting pitcher who collected the other eight first-place ballots and 103 total points. St. Louis Cardinals utility player Brandon Donovan finished third (22).

The Braves called up Harris in the last week of May, and he went on to man centre field for Atlanta for 114 games. He made only two errors in 257 defensive chances while slashing .297/.339/.514.

Harris led all National League rookies in hits (123), RBIS (64) and extra-base hits (49) while tying for most home runs (19) and placing second among NL rookies in stolen bases (20).