The Major League Baseball (MLB) Rookie of the Year award is one of the most prestigious awards for players in their first year in the major leagues.
The Baseball Writers Association of America(BBWAA) presents it each season, one for the American League (AL) and one for the National League (NL). In this 2025, Nick Kurtz of the Athletics won the award unanimously in the AL and Drake Baldwin of the Atlanta Braves won it in the NL.
Eligibility Criteria
Since its inception, the conditions to be considered a “rookie” have evolved.
Between 1947 and 1948, only one award was given for both MLB leagues.
In 1957, a player with less than 75 at-bats or 45 innings pitched was defined as eligible.
It was later modified to 90 shifts, 45 entries or 45 days of service.
Since 1971 the current criteria is: less than 130 at-bats, 50 innings pitched or 45 days of active service prior to September 1.
A historical overview
The conditions to be considered a 'rookie' have evolved
QuéOnnda.com
The first MLB Rookie of the Year winner in 1947 was Jackie Robinson, who batted .297 for the Brooklyn Dodgers that year.
The award was officially renamed the “Jackie Robinson Award” in 1987, in tribute to his impact on baseball history.
Last year, Luis Gil (Yankees) took the award in the AL and Paul Skenes (Pirates) in the NL.
Why is it relevant now?
Fans who live in the U.S. and follow MLB should pay attention to the Rookie of the Year.
This is because it means the emergence of new talent that can lead the way for their favorite franchises, raise the level of competition and open doors for more Latino players.
It also serves as an indicator of future performance and market value.
Knowing the history, eligibility criteria and winners of the MLB Rookie of the Year award allows you to better understand what that recognition means within baseball.
So how much it weighs for a player’s career and what its impact could be for U.S. Hispanic fans.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
