Nick Kurtz, Drake Baldwin Crowned MLB Rookies of the Year in Dominant Debuts

Major League Baseball (MLB) has announced its top rookies of the 2025 season: Oakland Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz and Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin.

Both players turned in outstanding rookie performances that wowed both fans and analysts, and each received the prestigious Rookie of the Year honor in the American and National Leagues, respectively.

Nick Kurtz is the Unanimous AL Rookie of the Year

Nick Kurtz, Drake Baldwin Crowned MLB Rookies of the Year

After being called up in late April, the 22-year-old Kurtz was a unanimous selection as American League Rookie of the Year, garnering all 30 first-place votes. He finished the season hitting .290 with 36 home runs and 86 RBIs, while his 1.002 OPS ranked third in all of Major League Baseball behind only superstars Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani.

The most memorable moment for Kurtz came on July 25 against the Houston Astros, blasting four home runs in a single game to join the exclusive list of just 20 players in MLB history to reach that feat. He delivered another multi-homer game later in the season, again against the Astros. He was first among rookies in home runs and RBIs and third in hits, cementing his breakout year.

Kurtz told the MLB Network that it's a "great ending to the first year" and he will use this time to "keep grinding and come out even better next season."

Kurtz became the 14th unanimous winner in AL history, receiving the top nod ahead of teammate Jacob Wilson, who got 23 second-place votes, with Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony third. The Athletics duo marked the first time since 1984 that teammates finished first and second in AL Rookie of the Year voting.

Drake Baldwin is NL Rookie of the Year

Nick Kurtz, Drake Baldwin Crowned MLB Rookies of the Year

In the National League, the Atlanta Braves' Drake Baldwin took Rookie of the Year, finishing ahead of Chicago Cubs pitcher Cade Horton by capturing 21 first-place votes. Overall consistency as a catcher helped Baldwin stand out, as he hit .274 with 19 home runs and 80 RBIs in 124 games with a .341 on-base percentage.

According to ESPN, Baldwin is very honest that he has no idea about his rookie win. Still, he thanked the fans for this unforgettable honor since it's already an incredible feat to be a finalist.

Among all rookie catchers, Baldwin led in OPS and was an instrumental piece in the success of the Braves all year long. Meanwhile, Horton's strong second half, which included a 1.03 ERA, couldn't overcome Baldwin's full-season dominance.

Under the current CBA rules, Kurtz will receive a full year of service time due to winning the award, and the Braves will receive a bonus draft pick as a result of Baldwin's achievement.