Should Roki Sasaki be considered a rookie? What to do about international players in first MLB season

Several international players with significant professional experience in leagues such as Nippon Professional Baseball and the Korean Baseball Organization have been considered rookies in Major League Baseball. The question arises whether these players should still be eligible for Rookie of the Year awards. While the current definition of a rookie in MLB includes specific thresholds, such as at-bats and innings pitched, the ambiguity of the term “rookie” leaves room for debate. Ultimately, players like Shota Imanaga and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, despite their experience in major professional leagues, are considered rookies in MLB due to their first year in the league. The criteria for Rookie of the Year eligibility may need to be reconsidered to address the growing number of international players with extensive professional backgrounds entering MLB. In the debate over MLB rookie status, the focus is on players with extended professional careers and varying league experiences. The argument questions whether certain leagues should impact rookie status, highlighting the complexity of determining eligibility. Ultimately, the conclusion is that a first-year MLB player should be considered a rookie regardless of their background or previous experience.

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