Kazuma Okamoto Finishes Seventh in AL Rookie of the Year Voting

The results of the BBWAA's Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award were announced this evening. Sal Stewart of the Reds won in the National League, while Kevin McGonigle of the Tigers won in the American League.

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto finished seventh in the AL. He was named on 11 of 30 ballots, receiving one third-place vote, four fourth-place votes, and six fifth-place votes.

Okamoto set franchise rookie records with 33 home runs and 92 RBI in his first MLB season. Unfortunately, he also set a new franchise record – and not just a rookie record – with 183 strikeouts. Nonetheless, it was overall a very successful campaign, and the down-ballot Rookie of the Year votes he received reflect that.