### Nick Kurtz and Drake Baldwin Shine as MLB's 2025 Rookies of the Year In a remarkable display of talent, Nick Kurtz of the Oakland Athletics and Drake Baldwin of the Atlanta Braves have been awarded the 2025 Rookie of the Year honors in their respective leagues. Kurtz, a first baseman, was a unanimous selection for the American League award, while Baldwin, a catcher, secured the National League title amidst some controversy regarding the voting. Both players showcased exceptional skills throughout the season, significantly impacting their teams' performances. ### Overview of the Awards and Players' Performances 1. **Nick Kurtz - American League Rookie of the Year** - Unanimously selected after an outstanding season. - Achieved a batting average of .290 with **36 home runs** and **86 RBIs** in **117 games**. - Recorded an impressive **1.002 OPS**, ranking him among the top hitters in MLB history for rookies with over 400 plate appearances [https://apnews.com/article/kurtz-baldwin-horton-mlb-rookies-6617fb7df3c0745507a8d559d11b026e]. 2. **Drake Baldwin - National League Rookie of the Year** - Received **21 out of 30 first-place votes**, defeating Cade Horton, who garnered the remaining votes. - Finished the season with a batting average of .274, hitting **19 home runs** and **80 RBIs** over **124 games** [https://fantasypros.com/mlb/news/551597/drake-baldwin-named-national-league-rookie-year.php]. - His performance was pivotal for the Braves, especially after stepping in for the injured Sean Murphy [https://abc30.com/post/nick-kurtz-wins-american-league-rookie-year-award/18140691]. ### Statistical Highlights and Comparisons - **Nick Kurtz's Season Stats:** - **Games Played:** 117 - **Batting Average:** .290 - **Home Runs:** 36 - **RBIs:** 86 - **OPS:** 1.002 - **Drake Baldwin's Season Stats:** - **Games Played:** 124 - **Batting Average:** .274 - **Home Runs:** 19 - **RBIs:** 80 - **OPS:** .810 Both players not only excelled individually but also contributed significantly to their teams' successes, with Kurtz's historic four-homer game against the Astros being a standout moment of the season [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mlb_hands_out_rookie_of_the_year_award_for_2025_season/s1_17396_43050515]. ### Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead The selection of Nick Kurtz and Drake Baldwin as the 2025 Rookies of the Year underscores their potential to become future stars in Major League Baseball. 1. **Kurtz's Unanimous Selection**: His record-breaking performance sets a high bar for future rookies. 2. **Baldwin's Controversial Win**: Despite some backlash from fans regarding the voting process, Baldwin's contributions were undeniable. 3. **Impact on Teams**: Both players have not only made a mark individually but have also been crucial to their teams' playoff aspirations. As they continue their careers, both Kurtz and Baldwin are expected to be key players in the league, with their rookie seasons serving as a strong foundation for future success [https://www.sportstalkatl.com/drake-baldwins-rookie-of-the-year-win-carries-big-implications-for-braves].