Bryant, Correa named top rookies
NEW YORK— Big expectations followed Kris Bryant and Carlos Correa from the moment each was drafted just a few years ago.
It didn’t take long for both to deliver.
Bryant was a unanimous pick as National League rookie of the year on Monday, and Correa took the American League prize in a close vote by members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” Correa explained on a conference call from his home in Puerto Rico, where he said thousands of proud supporters were waiting to celebrate with him. “It really means a lot not only for them, but me as well.”
The surprise top pick in the 2012 amateur draft, Correa recalled how some questioned whether he warranted that selection. But by June this year, he was starting at shortstop in the majors and leading the young Houston Astros toward the playoffs.
Bryant, chosen second overall by the Chicago Cubs in 2013, made his big-league debut on April 17. The third baseman quickly became an all-star on a rising team that also reached the post-season.
“I think we’re in very similar situa- tions in that we’re surrounded by a lot of young guys,” Bryant said. “I think the only expectations that really matter are the ones you put on yourself. I definitely exceeded my own expectations.”
The 23-year-old Bryant batted .275 and led big league rookies with 26 homers, 31 doubles and 99 RBIs as Chicago returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2008.
Bryant received all 30 first-place votes for 150 points in balloting by the BBWAA. San Francisco third baseman Matt Duffy was second with 70 points, and Pittsburgh infielder Jung Ho Kang third with 28 points.
Correa received 17 firsts and 13 seconds for 124 points. Cleveland shortstop Francisco Lindor was second with 13 firsts, 14 seconds and two thirds for 109 points, and Minnesota designated hitter Miguel Sano was third with 20 points.
Blue Jays closer Roberto Osuna had two second-place votes and two thirds to finish fourth in the AL balloting.
Correa began this year in Double-A and made his major league debut June 8. He hit .279 with 22 homers, 68 RBIs and 14 steals, helping the Astros make their first post-season appearance in a decade. He only turned 21 in September.