MLB Writer Explains Why He Was Lone Voter Who Didn't Pick Pete Alonso for NL Rookie of the Year
By Chris Pyo
Pete Alonso had a monster year in Queens, breaking the home run record in a rookie season with 53, while nearly carrying the Mets to the playoffs.
For those accomplishments, it was widely thought that he'd unanimously win the NL Rookie of the Year award. Well, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic voted for Atlanta Braves pitcher Mike Soroka as his No. 1 option. Instead of hiding behind his keyboard, Baggarly explained why he didn't go with the obvious choice.
Nearly a unanimous Rookie of the Year win for Pete Alonso. Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic had Soroka ahead of the Polar Bear pic.twitter.com/dqaoBFOjwY
— Kyle (@KyleNoStyle) November 11, 2019
In his article, Baggarly explained that Soroka himself had one of the best rookie seasons as a starting pitcher he's ever seen, resulting in him being a top-5 NL Cy Young candidate in year one.
Unfortunately, Mets fans won't want to hear that logic. They'll be obsessing over the Polar Bear so much that they won't be able to acknowledge Soroka's 13-4 record with a sparkling 2.68 ERA. He's one of the main reasons as to why the Braves made the playoffs this season, which is more than the Mets can say.
I would encourage everyone to treat the reporter who put Alonso second on his ballot kindly. Mike Soroka had a tremendous year. A little disagreement is a good thing for baseball, not a bad thing.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) November 12, 2019
We don't all have to think alike!
Of course, Mets fans are going off on Baggarly on Twitter.
When you’re the only one of 30 to vote for someone you’re more Clueless than me and you get what you deserve.
— CluelessMickey (@CluelessMickeyC) November 12, 2019
Regardless, congratulations to Alonso for winning the Rookie of the Year, and props to Soroka for having an amazing first season in his own right. No voter controversy can change that.