MLB announced the winners of the first major annual award on Monday, revealing the winner of the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year award for both the American and National League.
The Rookie of the Year awards are annually voted on by the Baseball Writers Association of America, with 30 voters determining who was the top rookie in MLB during the season. The reigning Rookie of the Year winners are Yankees pitcher Luis Gil and Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes.
Here’s a look at the 2025 Rookie of the Year winners.
American League Rookie of the Year Winner
Winner: Nick Kurtz, Athletics 1B
Finalists: Roman Anthony, Red Sox OF and Jacob Wilson, Athletics SS
Nick Kurtz made his debut for the Athletics on April 23, 2025 and finished his stellar rookie campaign slashing .290/.383/.619 with 122 hits, 90 runs, 36 home runs, 86 RBIs and a 1.002 OPS. Kurtz, nicknamed the “Big Amish” and known for his butter churning celebration, finished 10th in MLB in home runs and led all rookies in 2025 in home runs, RBIs, runs and walks.
Kurtz’s finest performance of the season came on July 25, when he went 6-6 with four home runs and eight RBIs against the Astros, becoming the first rookie ever to hit four home runs in a single game.
He is now the unanimous AL Rookie of the Year. Teammate Jacob Wilson finished second in the voting with 23 second-place votes while Roman Anthony comes up in third after receiving three second-place votes and 15 third-place votes.
“It’s a great ending to the first year,” Kurtz told MLB Network. “Like Jacob said earlier, use this and keep on grinding and come back better next year.”
Don’t ever let Nick Kurtz borrow a baseball ⚾
— MLB (@MLB) November 11, 2025
(MLB x @MattressFirm) pic.twitter.com/nnUZ0vPK04
National League Rookie of the Year Winner
Winner: Drake Baldwin, Braves C
Finalists: Caleb Durbin, Brewers 3B and Cade Horton, Cubs pitcher
Drake Baldwin made his MLB debut at the start of the season on March 27, 2025. Over the course of 124 games during his first season, he slashed .274/.341/.469 for 111 hits, 56 runs, 19 home runs, 80s RBIs and a .810 OPS. Baldwin finished the season leading all National League rookies in RBIs, second among NL rookies in home runs and second on the Braves in WAR.
More MLB on Sports Illustrated
This article was originally published on www.si.com as MLB Announces Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award Winners.
