2012 – Bryce Harper of the Nationals is named the National League Rookie of the Year while Mike Trout of the Angels wins the honor in the American League. The two young outfielders wowed observers with their prowess with the bat, Harper becoming only the second teenager to hit 20 home runs in the big leagues, and the 21-year-old Trout being Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera’s main rival for the MVP Award after hitting .326 with 129 runs. Trout becomes the youngest AL winner, while Harper misses surpassing Dwight Gooden as the youngest NL winner by under a month.
On November 12, 2012 — Mike Trout of the Angels wins the Rookie of the year in the American League. The 21-year-old Trout lost the MVP Award to Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera’s main rival for the MVP Award after hitting .326 with 129 runs. Trout becomes the youngest AL winner.