Michael Phelps offers his best wishes to Gunnar Henderson for being honored with the MLB Rookie of the Year award

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Michael Phelps, an eminent figure in swimming, recently extended his commendations to the Baltimore Orioles‘ third baseman, Gunnar Henderson. He wished the player on receiving the accolade of Rookie of the Year, marking this the second commendation for Henderson in the 2023 season. It was following his American League Silver Slugger Award acknowledgment on November 9.

After a 34-year hiatus, a neophyte from the Orioles has distinguished himself as the foremost rookie in the American League. On a recent Monday evening, Gunnar Henderson was recognized with the 2023 AL Rookie of the Year Award. It established him as the first player from Baltimore to be conferred the title unanimously.

With all 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers Association of America, it culminated in a decisive 150 points. It eclipsed the runner-ups, Cleveland’s Tanner Bibee with 67 points and Boston’s Triston Casas with 25 points.

Henderson expressed that the award was in his consideration, yet he remained dedicated to giving his all daily on the field. He trusted that his performance could furnish him with a competitive chance for the award.

Since Gregg Olson’s receipt of the Rookie of the Year award in 1989, no player from the Orioles has attained this honor. Before the 2023 season, only the Padres had a more extended Rookie of the Year drought, their last recipient being Benito Santiago in 1987.

Gunnar Henderson’s remarkable performance

Henderson had been projected for notable achievements, even at the season’s outset, when MLB Pipeline acclaimed him as the preeminent prospect. After a commendable 34-game introduction in late 2022 with Baltimore, he faced a sluggish beginning in 2023. However, Henderson’s aptitude escalated, much to the anticipation of the Orioles.

Henderson had been projected for notable achievements, even at the season’s outset, when MLB Pipeline acclaimed him as the preeminent prospect. After a commendable 34-game introduction in late 2022 with Baltimore, he faced a sluggish beginning in 2023. However, Henderson’s aptitude escalated, much to the anticipation of the Orioles.

The 22-year-old concluded the season at the apex of his team in terms of wins above replacement, as per Baseball Reference, with a 6.2. He was honored with the title of Most Valuable Oriole by the local press corps. 

He led American League rookies in various statistical categories. Moreover, he exhibited a commendable batting performance throughout 150 games, further earning a Silver Slugger Award in the American League utility division.

Henderson’s offensive prowess gained momentum later in the season, yet his defensive capacity was persistently formidable. His defensive runs saved were the highest on the team, distributed across positions at shortstop and third base. Among American League shortstops, he ranked third in defensive runs saved.

The 22-year-old’s inaugural season with the Orioles emerges as one of the finest rookie displays in the history of the team, setting new records for runs, extra-base hits, and slugging percentage. He has also joined the ranks of illustrious Orioles Ripken and Murray, with at least 25 doubles and 25 home runs as a rookie.

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