For the first time since 1989, a single team (The Athletics) saw two position players dominate the Rookie of the Year race.
The Braves' catcher won the National League award, becoming the 10th player in franchise history to do so. 2025–26 NBA Race
Both players were former Duke roommates and teammates, marking the first time former college teammates finished 1-2 in rookie scoring since 2004–05. 38 : Two Rookies of the Year
Flagg won by only 26 points, the second-smallest gap in the modern voting era.
A unanimous selection who led all rookies with 36 home runs and 86 RBIs. For the first time since 1989, a single
Finished second in the voting after batting .311, trailing only his teammate for the top honor.
The most recent major "Two Rookies" storyline involves the , where Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks) narrowly defeated Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets) on April 27, 2026. Flagg won by only 26 points, the second-smallest
Alternatively, as of April 2026, the term is frequently used in NBA discussions regarding the exceptionally tight race between former Duke teammates and Kon Knueppel , leading many to debate whether they should share a "co-Rookie of the Year" honor. 2025 MLB Highlights