Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa was named the 2015 American League Rookie of Year on Monday as voted by the Baseball Writers Association of America.
Kris Bryant won the National League award in a landslide.
MLB Network confirmed the news. Correa received 17 of 30 first-place votes in what was a close race between the Astros prodigy and Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor:
Correa didn't make his debut until June, which limited him to just 99 games, but once the dynamic shortstop started hitting, he never stopped. He finished his debut campaign with a .345 on-base percentage, 22 home runs and 14 stolen bases.
His arrival helped to bolster a powerful Astros lineup that spearheaded the team's journey to its first postseason appearance since 2005. And, while this is a regular-season award, it's worth noting Correa hit .292 with two homers in six playoff games.
The 21-year-old Puerto Rico native previously took home the Sporting News' Rookie of the Year honor, which is voted on by players. He talked about how much that meant to him, per Jose de Jesus Ortiz of the Houston Chronicle.
"It means a lot because the players are the ones on the field competing against you," Correa said. "For them to have voted for me, it means they appreciated the job I did. They're the ones with you on the field trying to beat you and trying to beat your team."
Winning the Rookie of the Year award obviously speaks to a player's potential. Correa joined a group that includes Rod Carew, Carlton Fisk, Eddie Murray and Cal Ripken Jr., among other legends.
It doesn't guarantee future success, however. Bobby Crosby and Jeremy Hellickson are two examples of successful first-year players who weren't able to sustain their performances. Being able to adapt is crucial to maintaining a high level of play.
So, since the expectations for Correa will likely be sky high heading into 2016, his work is really just beginning.
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