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For the first time since 2017, the National League's Rookie of the Year was a unanimous selection.
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll received every first-place vote on the way to winning the award on Monday night, becoming the first Diamondbacks player to be named top rookie. It's only the fifth time in MLB history that the Rookie of the Year award in both leagues was decided unanimously -- earlier Monday, Baltimore Orioles third baseman Gunnar Henderson won the AL's version of the award.
"This was a group effort"
Carroll learned he won the award on an MLB Network broadcast, surrounded by his friends and family. It's been a whirlwind 2023 for the 23-year-old Seattle native, whose first full season in the big leagues ended in Game 5 of the World Series.
Carroll helped the Diamondbacks reach the postseason for the first time since 2017 after he hit .285 with 25 home runs and 54 stolen bases -- becoming the first rookie in baseball history to reach 20 homers and 50 steals in the same season. He hit .273 in the postseason, where Arizona stunned the baseball world by winning its first NL pennant since 2001 before ultimately losing the World Series to the Texas Rangers.
Signed for the long haul
Before the 2023 season even began, the Diamondbacks inked Carroll to an eight-year, $111 million contract extension. That deal now appears to be below market value after the rookie campaign that Carroll put together.
Arizona has its new franchise pillar signed through the remainder of the 2020s, and the team is hoping to continue contending following its stunning run to the Fall Classic this year. Assuming Carroll remains healthy in the years to come, the Diamondbacks could have an annual MVP-caliber player patrolling their outfield and hitting atop their batting order.