The Pittsburgh Pirates took home their second Rookie of the Year award in the franchise’s history when Paul Skenes won it last season. The Pirates’ best rookie this year, pitcher Braxton Ashcraft, has put on a remarkable first showing in the Major Leagues this season. However, MLB isn’t giving him the sort of recognition he deserves, and their most recent ROTY poll sets a bad precedent for when award season rolls around.
According to their poll, which 41 supposed experts voted on, they currently have Athletics’ standout slugger Nick Kurtz and Atlanta Braves’ new backstop Drake Baldwin taking home the award in their respective leagues.