Pittsburgh pitcher Paul Skenes capped a remarkable season Monday by winning NL rookie of the year by a wide margin over San Diego centre-fielder Jackson Merrill. Hurler Luis Gil of the New York Yankees edged Baltimore outfielder Colton Cowser for the AL honour.

It’s the first time the rookie awards went to two pitchers since 2011. Red Sox right fielder Wilyer Abreu finished sixth among the seven AL players to receive a vote.

The Yankees’ right-hander edged Orioles’ outfielder Colton Cowser in the closest vote since 1980. The Pirates’ ace captured 23 of 30 first-place votes to win NL honors.