By MATT PIKE
With the 2025 season now behind them fully and the offseason approaching, the Kansas City Royals have announced team awards, voted on by the Kansas City chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America.
St. Joseph Central alum Noah Cameron has been honored for his dazzling rookie year, being named the Bruce Rice Pitcher of the Year, making Cameron the first rookie to win the award since Brad Keller in 2018.
Cameron was given the unenviable task of making his MLB debut on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays in late April. For many rookies, a tough road start is less than ideal. However, Cameron rose to the occasion with 6 1/3 shutout innings. He took a no-hitter deep into the game before earning his first win in convincing fashion. He only elevated his game from there.
Cameron posted a 9-7 record with a 2.99 ERA making 10 quality starts in 24 outings. He recorded 114 strikeouts in 138 1/3 innings and held opponents to a .214 batting average. The Royals needed Cameron due to multiple injuries in the starting rotation. Cameron finished fourth-place in AL Rookie of the Year voting, making him an integral part of the starting rotation heading into 2026.
The Bruce Rice Pitcher of the Year Award is named after the late Kansas City-area sportscaster.
Cameron was joined on the Royals awards by shortstop Bobby Witt Jr, honored with the Les Milgram Player of the Year award for a fourth consecutive season, and third baseman Maikel Garcia who was named the teams Joe Burke Special Achievement award winner.
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