MLB News: Jose Abreu Wins AL Rookie of the Year Award Unanimously
Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu was unanimously named as the American League Rookie of the Year, the league announced on Monday.
Abreu, who became the first White Sox to win the award since Ozzie Guillen in 1985, received all 30 first-place votes after he batted .317 in his rookie season with 36 home runs and 107 RBIs. The 27-year-old also had 176 hits, 35 doubles and .964 OPS, leading all rookies in these categories.
The Cruces, Cuba native also became the fourth rookie to average above .300 with at least 30 home runs. Abreu also etched his name on the record books as the first rookie in league history to finish within the top five in Triple Crown categories.
"I want to congratulate Jose on this prestigious award and his spectacular rookie season," White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said via Chicago Sun-Times. "From the day Jose joined the White Sox, we were optimistic that he would develop into an integral part of our success and a centerpiece in our lineup for years to come."
While he was very impressive in his rookie season, Abreu pointed out that the adjustment process was very difficult, mainly because he is not used to being away from his family, and the major leagues is different from local leagues in his native country.
During his time in Cuba, Abreu never had more than 312 at-bats in a year, but he managed to adjust well, despite having 556 at-bats in 145 games for the White Sox.
"It was difficult to get adjusted to a new country especially if you don't have your family with you," Abreu said via ESPN. "A lot of people really helped me make the adjustment coming to this country. Thanks to my wife, my mother, my father. The adjustment has been pretty good. I like it here."
Abreu edged Los Angeles Angels' Matt Shoemaker and Dominican American New York Yankees reliever Dellin Betances, who finished second and third in the voting, respectively. Houston Astros starting pitcher Collin McHugh ended up fourth, while Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka finished fifth.
Tanaka, who went 13-5 with a 2.77 ERA with the Yankees, was a heavy favorite to win the award early in the season, but the Japanese pitcher missed the majority of the season due to a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament.
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