Dodgers News: Walker Buehler Named Finalist for Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award
Walker Buehler has been named one of three finalists for the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award. The BBWAA announced this Monday in a tweet.
Buehler will face some stiff competition in winning the award. Nevertheless, he was the only pitcher along with two other phenomenal position players in the running. Ronald Acuna Jr. (Atlanta) and Juan Soto (Washington) are the other two players up for the award.
The top 3 vote-getters for NL Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year (alphabetically)
Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves
Walker Buehler, Dodgers
Juan Soto, NationalsWinner announced Nov. 12, 6 pm ET
— BBWAA (@officialBBWAA) November 5, 2018
Of course, the Dodgers have taken home the last two Jackie Robinson trophies. Still, with Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger taking home the last two pieces of hardware for NL Rookie of the Year, Buehler gives the Dodgers a chance to make some unprecedented history.
A pitcher last won this award in 2014 when Jacob deGrom went 9-6 with a 2.69 ERA in 22 starts. Coincidentally, Buehler had similar numbers in his rookie campaign. The right-hander went 8-5 with a 2.62 ERA in 23 starts in 2018.
The 20-year old Acuna may be thought to be the frontrunner in this race. Acuna posted a .917 OPS in 111 games for the Atlanta Braves, including 26 home runs and 16 stolen bases. Soto had a .923 OPS in 116 games for the Washington Nationals, including 22 home runs and 70 runs batted in.
Buehler would be the 15th Rookie of the Year Award winner in Los Angeles Dodgers history. The Dodgers have twice had a run of four straight years in which they have had a player win the award. These years were 1979 through 1982, and more recently from 1992 to 1996.
