Reds center fielder Billy Hamilton is a finalist for National League Rookie of the Year while Johnny Cueto is in the top three in Cy Young voting. The announcements were made on Tuesday night as the Baseball Writers Association of America named their awards finalists.
Hamilton is attempting to become the Reds first National League Rookie of the Year since pitcher Scott Williamson in 1999, the first position player since third baseman Chris Sabo in 1988 and only the second Reds outfielder (Frank Robinson won in 1956). He is the fifth Major League rookie since 1900 and first since Ichiro Suzuki in 2001 to produce at least 141 hits, 25 doubles, 8 triples, 72 runs and 56 stolen bases in a season.
Besides Hamilton, Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom and Cardinals second baseman Kolten Wong are the other finalists.
For the Cy Young, the Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw is the overwhelming choice but Cueto (20-9, 2.25 ERA) became the 24th pitcher in franchise history to win 20 games in a season and the first since Danny Jackson in 1988. He was the first right-hander since Sammy Ellis and Jim Maloney both did it in 1965.
Cueto led the league in strikeouts (242), innings pitched (243 2/3), was second in ERA and tied for second in wins. St. Louis' Adam Wainwright is the other finalist. A Reds' pitcher has never won the Cy Young.
The Rookie of the Year will be announced Monday and Cy Young on Nov. 12.
