Soto became the first National League rookie catcher to start an All-Star game. In addition to his productive hitting all season, he did a nice job handling a Cubs pitching staff that compiled a 3.87 ERA, third-best in the NL. He even caught a no-hitter by Carlos Zambrano.

Soto credited backup catcher Henry Blanco and other veteran teammates for giving him advice and pep talks that guided him through a “roller coaster” year.

“That’s what helped me have a strong season all the way around,” Soto said. “I did try to act very sure about myself, very secure. But I had doubts.”

After his injury, Longoria, who turned 23 last month, returned in time for Tampa Bay’s playoff run. He homered in his first two postseason at-bats against the White Sox, then connected four times against Boston in the AL championship series to set a rookie record with six homers in one postseason.

But his offensive tear ended in the World Series, when Longoria went 1-for-20 with nine strikeouts and two RBIs as the Philadelphia Phillies beat Tampa Bay in five games.

“Obviously, I would have loved to play well and help the team,” Longoria said. “I was still pretty content that we had a great year.”

The 25-year-old Soto had a disappointing October after his team compiled the best regular-season record in the National League. Bothered by a nagging hand injury, he went 2-for-11 (.182) with no RBIs as Chicago was swept in the first round by the Dodgers, leaving the Cubs without a World Series title since 1908.

Balloting for BBWAA awards is conducted before the postseason. Votto garnered 21 second-place votes and 76 points to Soto’s 158. Atlanta pitcher Jair Jurrjens came in third.

“I worked really, really hard in past years,” Soto said. “I feel very, very special right now. It’s a very good moment in my life.”

The NL Cy Young Award will be announced Tuesday.

Also on NBCSports.com Rosenthal: Steelers’ struggles could sink their playoff hopes Circling the Bases: Halladay to Cubs? That’s unlikely College Football Talk: Weis to resign? That’s ‘not happening’ Opinion: So far, Nowitzki is NBA’s MVP  |  Fan Ranker Twitter: Follow us @nbc_sports

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