Cubs' Bryant, Astros' Correa Named Rookies of Year

Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant was a unanimous pick for National League Rookie of the Year after he batted .275 with 26 home runs and 99 RBIs to go with a .369 on-base percentage in 2015.

Bryant, 23, tied for the major league home run lead among first-year players while leading all full-time NL rookies in OBP, slugging and OPS. He led all NL hitters in strikeouts with 199 but came through when the Cubs needed it most, hitting .292 with a .417 on-base percentage with runners in scoring position.

Bryant received all 30 first-place votes, for a total of 150 points, from the Baseball Writers' Association of America in balloting announced Monday.

San Francisco third baseman Matt Duffy was second, with 70 points, and Pittsburgh infielder Jung Ho Kang third, with 28 points.

Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa, the top pick in the 2012 amateur draft, was chosen for the AL honor.

"I think we're in very similar situations in that we're surrounded by a lot of young guys,'' Bryant said. "I think the only expectations that really matter are the ones you put on yourself. I definitely exceeded my own expectations.''

Bryant, chosen second overall by the Cubs in 2013, made his big league debut April 17 and quickly became an All-Star as Chicago returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

Seeking their first championship since 1908, the Cubs were swept by the New York Mets in the NLCS after beating the Cardinals in the NLDS.

"I think there is a way to top this year, and that's to win the World Series,'' Bryant said. "I think heading into next year, this whole experience is going to help myself and our whole team in general.''

Bryant and Correa each earned the major league minimum salary of $507,500.

Correa Named AL Rookie of Year

Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa was named the American League Rookie of the Year on Monday.

Correa received 17 first-place votes and 13 second-place votes, for a total of 124 points. Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor was second, with 13 firsts, 14 seconds and two thirds for a total of 109 points. Minnesota Twins designated hitter Miguel Sano was third with 20 points.

"It's an unbelievable feeling," Correa said on a conference call from his home in Puerto Rico, where he said thousands of proud supporters were waiting to celebrate with him. "It really means a lot not only for them, but me as well."

The surprise top pick in the 2012 amateur draft, Correa recalled how some questioned whether he warranted that selection. But by June, he was starting at shortstop and leading the young Astros toward their first playoff appearance since 2005.

Correa began this year in Double-A. Then he hit .279 with 22 home runs (tops among AL rookies), 68 RBIs and 14 steals after his June 8 call-up. The youngest position player in the major leagues, he turned 21 in September.

Mays, Berra To Receive Presidential Medal of Freedom

Baseball greats Willie Mays and Yogi Berra are among 17 people named Monday by President Barack Obama to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States' highest civilian honor.

"From public servants who helped us meet defining challenges of our time to artists who expanded our imaginations, from leaders who have made our union more perfect to athletes who have inspired millions of fans, these men and women have enriched our lives and helped define our shared experience as Americans," Obama said in a statement.

Berra, who died Sept. 22 at age 90, was a Hall of Fame catcher renowned as much for his unique way of turning a phrase as for his record 10 World Series championships with the New York Yankees. Berra played in more World Series games than any other major leaguer and was a three-time American League MVP. A 15-time All-Star, Berra was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

"This honor is a fitting tribute to a man who not only represented the sport of baseball with unequaled dignity and humor, but exemplified the best virtues of our country through his military service and compassion for others," Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said in a statement. "His life was truly the embodiment of the American dream."

Mays, 84, was a two-time NL MVP and is one of just eight players in baseball history to hit at least 600 home runs during his career. He played in 24 All-Star Games, won 12 Gold Gloves, compiled 660 career home runs (third of all time when he retired) and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1979.

Among the other recipients named Monday are Shirley Chisholm, Gloria Estefan, Itzhak Perlman, Stephen Sondheim, Steven Spielberg, Barbra Streisand and James Taylor.

Other athletes who have received the Medal of Freedom include Muhammad Ali, Joe DiMaggio, Jack Nicklaus, Richard Petty, Jackie Robinson, Bill Russell and Ted Williams.

The awards are scheduled to be presented Nov. 24 at the White House.