As Major League Baseball’s offseason continues to roll along, we’re starting to learn which players won awards for their contributions this past season.
Throughout the week, we’ll learn who will be taking home some of baseball’s most prolific hardware.
On Monday, Baltimore Orioles infielder Gunnar Henderson was announced as the unanimous American League Rookie of the Year, the first Oriole to win the award since Gregg Olson in 1989.
The unanimous Rookie of the Year. pic.twitter.com/qa0xwzeE2w
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) November 13, 2023
Henderson played a big part in helping Baltimore to its first 100-win season in more than 40 years, as the Orioles finished the season 101-61. Henderson hit .255 and played in 150 games for the Orioles. He also hit 28 home runs, leading all American League rookies and tying him with right fielder Anthony Santander for Baltimore’s team high.
Henderson is the 13th player to win the award unanimously, and the first in Orioles history to accomplish the feat. 2020 winner Kyle Lewis of the Seattle Mariners was the last unanimous winner before Henderson.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan also notes that due to Henderson winning, the Orioles will receive an additional first-round draft pick thanks to the Prospect Promotion Incentive, a measure added to the most recent MLB CBA to incentivize teams to call up exciting young prospects sooner than they would have in the past.
Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson won the American League Rookie of the Year Award. He's the first winner for the Orioles since Gregg Olson in 1989. Because Henderson won, the Orioles will get an extra first-round draft pick through the Prospect Promotion Incentive.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 13, 2023
Social media had a lot to say about Henderson’s big win.
Congratulations, Gunnar on being named the 2023 Jackie Robinson AL Rookie of the Year! What a cool moment, I was happy to be a part of it. @Orioles @MLBNetwork pic.twitter.com/ibcJXliohH
— Cal Ripken, Jr. (@CalRipkenJr) November 13, 2023
As it should be.
Sign the extension yesterday. https://t.co/NhX4BQB2fA
— Jason Krech (@JasonKrech) November 13, 2023
Unanimous. Was there ever a question? https://t.co/tcGc6ItSRj
— Orioles Fanz Thoughts (@OsFanThoughts) November 13, 2023
What’s brighter than the Orioles future? I’m not sure if anything is. #Birdland https://t.co/WBS1pIFBS3
— JP (@JordanPierce7) November 13, 2023
[Baltimore Orioles] [Jeff Passan]
