Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager and Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Michael Fulmer kicked off a week of MLB awards Monday by being named Rookie of the Year in their respective leagues.
Seager took home the National League honor after slashing .308/.365/.512 with 26 home runs, 72 RBIs and 105 runs scored in 157 games. He garnered all 30 first-place votes, topping runner-up Trea Turner by 108 points.
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The unanimous pick for the @officialBBWAA 2016 NL Rookie of the Year: @Dodgers SS Corey Seager. pic.twitter.com/QlFQQVigqQ
— MLB (@MLB) November 14, 2016
In a truly spectacular rookie campaign, Seager became the record 17th Dodgers player to win the award since 1947. He also finished fourth in the NL with a 6.1 WAR.
The 22-year-old has quickly become one of the best young players in MLB, and he still projects to improve on his power numbers.
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Fulmer, 23, was a surprise breakout performer for the Tigers this year. He was the main chip in the trade that sent Yoenis Cespedes over to the New York Mets. Fulmer was expected to be eased into the Tigers' rotation, but injuries and a great spring forced Detroit's hand.
New York Yankees catcher captured four first-place votes, but Fulmer won the honors handedly by 51 points.
The @officialBBWAA 2016 AL Rookie of the Year: @tigers RHP Michael Fulmer. pic.twitter.com/tY8oxnnoUy
— MLB (@MLB) November 14, 2016
Fulmer responded with a 11-7 record, 3.06 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 132 strikeouts in 159 innings pitched. Fulmer tapered off a bit toward the end of the season, but he was in the AL ERA race most of the year.