In the upcoming 2024 baseball season, Jordan Lawlar of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Jackson Holliday of the Baltimore Orioles are on track to achieve a remarkable milestone in the sport. Both players have a solid chance of securing back-to-back Rookie of the Year awards for their respective teams, a feat that has only been accomplished once in baseball history.
Looking back at the 2023 season, Corbin Carroll of the Diamondbacks and Gunnar Henderson of the Orioles were the recipients of the Rookie of the Year awards in their respective leagues. Carroll's impressive performance included a .285 batting average, 25 home runs, 76 RBIs, and stellar outfield defense, while Henderson contributed 28 homers, 100 runs, and 82 RBIs along with solid defense at shortstop and third base.
Now, Lawlar and Holliday are gearing up to make their mark in the majors. Lawlar, a highly touted prospect, has showcased his talent in the minor leagues with a .291 batting average, 36 homers, 193 runs, and 76 stolen bases. On the other hand, Holliday, rated as the top prospect in baseball, has been excelling both offensively and defensively since being drafted as the No. 1 overall pick in 2022.
Both players have the potential to make significant contributions to their teams, although they may need to compete for starting positions in the infield. Lawlar's versatility and speed make him a valuable asset, while Holliday's impressive offensive numbers and defensive skills have garnered attention from scouts and managers alike.
If Lawlar and Holliday manage to secure back-to-back Rookie of the Year awards for the Diamondbacks and Orioles, respectively, they will join a select group of players who have achieved this rare feat in baseball history. The stage is set for these young talents to shine in the upcoming season and potentially lead their teams to further success.