Baltimore Orioles Rookie Earns Big Award After Historic Season
MLB awards season is officially upon us, and Baltimore Orioles rookie Gunnar Henderson is a good bet to rack up some serious hardware this winter.
Henderson is expected to take home American League Rookie of the Year honors when the BBWAA vote is revealed later this month, but the writers aren't the only ones you get to give out awards. The players do, too, and they have named Henderson the 2023 AL Outstanding Rookie in the Players Choice Awards.
The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) made the announcement on Thursday.
Henderson enjoyed a historic rookie campaign for the Orioles in 2023, and apparently his peers noticed. When the dust settled at the end of the year, he became the first rookie in franchise history to have at least 20 home runs, 20 doubles, 5 triples and 10 stolen bases in the same season, showcasing a remarkable blend of power and speed.
Even more impressively, Henderson did all of that in a season where he was 21 years old on Opening Day. He also put up big offensive numbers in addition to providing Gold Glove-caliber defense at third base and shortstop -- two of the toughest positions in the sport.
Henderson's outstanding production was a big reason why Baltimore won 101 regular-season games and finished first in the highly competitive AL East. He emerged as the team's best hitter, leading the club in several offensive categories and finishing with 100 runs, 28 doubles, 82 RBIs, 10 steals and a .255/.325/.489 batting line.
He better make more room in his trophy case, because he has plenty more awards coming his way.
