This year’s National League Rookie of the Year race highlights the need for a change in how this award is structured. Instead of a single award, the baseball writers responsible for selecting the winner should allocate two separate awards for each league: one for rookie pitchers and one for rookie position players. This format mirrors the MVP and Cy Young awards, which recognize the distinct talents of veteran players. It shouldn’t be a decision for writers to compare a starting pitcher like Paul Skenes of the Pirates with a center fielder like Jackson Merrill of the Padres.
Moreover, why should pitchers such as Cubs lefty Shota Imanaga and Dodgers righty Yoshinobu Yamamoto be categorized as “rookies” when Imanaga has competed professionally in Japan for eight years and Yamamoto for seven before arriving in MLB? For years, I have argued that the experience of international players in other leagues should count as professional service time, disqualifying them from the Rookie of the Year honors. Their inclusion undermines the integrity of the award.
With that aside, let’s evaluate the impressive National League rookie class and examine the current status of the Rookie of the Year race. Here’s my ranking of the top 10 eligible rookies, adhering to the criteria established by MLB:
A player is considered a rookie unless he has surpassed any of these thresholds in a prior season (or seasons):
• 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the Major Leagues.
• 45 total days on an active Major League roster during the Championship Season (excluding time on the Injured List).
This ranking reflects only the performance of players during the current season, not their prospect status or future potential. Here’s my perspective on the NL Rookie of the Year race with approximately five weeks left in the season.
(WAR figures are sourced from Baseball Reference as of Aug. 22.)
1. Paul Skenes, RHP, Pirates
Age: 22
Height: 6-6 Weight: 235
WAR: 4.0
Paul Skenes is an extraordinary talent. If the voting were held today, I am certain that Skenes — who had the honor of starting the All-Star Game for the NL — would secure the Rookie of the Year title. He boasts a 7-2 record with a 2.30 ERA (179 ERA+) and a 0.969 WHIP over 16 starts, accumulating 121 strikeouts in 98 innings. These statistics are impressive; however, the last-place Pirates may opt to limit his innings by shutting him down in early to mid-September. While this might be a prudent strategy for the organization’s long-term goals, it could jeopardize his chances for the award, especially with Merrill and others closely trailing.
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2. Jackson Merrill, CF, Padres
Age: 21
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-3 Weight: 195
WAR: 3.5
Jackson Merrill has established himself as the top rookie position player throughout the season. He has a real opportunity to surpass Skenes in the Rookie of the Year race as the season progresses, even if the Pirates choose not to shut down their right-hander. Merrill has seamlessly transitioned from shortstop to center field; he ranks in the 93rd percentile for outs above average and the 92nd percentile for arm strength. His offensive contributions have also been significant, with a batting average of .
291 with 18 home runs, 13 stolen bases, 63 runs scored, 71 RBIs, and a 125 OPS+.
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After a slow start, Jackson Chourio has lived up to the expectations. (Benny Sieu / USA Today)
3. Jackson Chourio, OF, Brewers
Age: 20
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6-0 Weight: 198
WAR: 3.0
Initially, Jackson Chourio faced challenges, finishing March and April with a .206 batting average and a .215 average in May. However, he rebounded impressively, boasting averages of .315 in June, .317 in July, and .321 in August. In total, he has recorded 15 home runs, 18 stolen bases, and a 110 OPS+. If Chourio maintains this performance for the remainder of the season, he could potentially surpass both Skenes and Merrill by season’s end.
4. Shota Imanaga, LHP, Cubs
Age: 30
Height: 5-10 Weight: 175
WAR: 2.5
Throughout the season, Shota Imanaga has demonstrated remarkable consistency for the Cubs, giving up three earned runs or fewer in 20 of his 23 starts, and keeping it to two earned runs or fewer in 16 of those appearances. He holds a record of 9-3 with a 3.11 ERA (134 ERA+) and a WHIP of 1.073. His chase rate is outstanding, placing him in the 98th percentile as hitters consistently swing at his split-finger pitches out of the strike zone and his four-seamer at the upper part of the strike zone. Opposing players are hitting .228 against his four-seamer, .237 against his split-finger, and .211 against his changeup.
5. Masyn Winn, SS, Cardinals
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Age: 22
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 5-11 Weight: 185
WAR: 4.0
Masyn Winn stands out as an outstanding defensive shortstop, boasting exceptional range on both sides that places him in the 80th percentile for his position. His arm strength is remarkable, reaching 100 mph and ranking in the 96th percentile. Offensively, he has surprised many by posting a .278 batting average, along with 22 doubles, four triples, 11 home runs, 61 runs scored, 44 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases.
6. Tyler Fitzgerald, SS, Giants
Age: 26
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6-1 Weight: 205
WAR: 2.7
This year, Tyler Fitzgerald has emerged as one of the biggest rookie surprises in the NL. With a batting line of .307/.362/.594 (170 OPS+) in 202 at-bats, he has recorded 12 doubles, 14 home runs, 28 RBIs, and 14 successful stolen bases out of 17 attempts. Primarily a shortstop, he also plays center field and occasionally second base. Fitzgerald ranks in the 85th percentile for outs above average and the 99th percentile for sprint speed. He excels against fastballs, hitting .336, with eight of his 14 home runs coming off these pitches.
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Among NL rookies, Michael Busch ranks second in home runs with 16. (Patrick Gorski / USA Today)
7. Michael Busch, 1B, Cubs
Age: 26
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-1 Weight: 210
WAR: 2.9
The Cubs acquired Michael Busch (along with right-hander Yency Almonte) from the Dodgers in January as part of a trade.
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Among their leading left-handed pitching prospects, Jackson Ferris, along with outfielder Zyhir Hope, have caught attention. Busch has been effective for Chicago, boasting a slash line of .257/.345/.450 (120 OPS+) with 16 home runs, 57 runs scored, and 47 RBIs.
8. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, RHP, Dodgers
Age: 26
Height: 5-10 Weight: 176
WAR: 1.6
When Yoshinobu Yamamoto signed a 12-year, $325 million contract with the Dodgers last offseason, he seemed a sure bet for the NL Rookie of the Year. In his initial 14 games, he excelled with a 6-2 record and a 2.92 ERA. However, on June 16, he was placed on the injured list due to a strained rotator cuff and has not yet made his return. The Dodgers hope to have him back by mid-September, yet this lengthy stint on the IL eliminates him from Rookie of the Year consideration.
9. Jared Jones, RHP, Pirates
Age: 23
Height: 6-1 Weight: 190
WAR: 1.8
Jones had a commendable first half of the season, achieving a 3.56 ERA (116 ERA+) and a strikeout percentage of 26.4 over 16 starts. He held opponents to three earned runs or fewer in 14 of those outings and two earned runs or fewer in nine. Batters faced him poorly, hitting only .214 against his four-seamer and .194 against his effective slider. Unfortunately, he went on the IL on July 4 due to a right lat strain and has not pitched in the majors since. In his latest rehab appearance at Triple-A, he struck out 10 over five innings, indicating a possible return to the Pirates soon.
10. Tobias Myers, RHP, Brewers
Age: 26
Height: 6-1 Weight: 217
WAR: 2.0
Drafted in the sixth round in 2016, Tobias Myers made his major league debut this year and has emerged as one of the most underrated rookie pitchers in the NL, registering a 2.87 ERA over 19 starts, along with one relief appearance. He has accumulated 90 strikeouts and issued 27 walks across 103 1/3 innings (averaging 7.8 strikeouts and 2.4 walks per nine innings). Although he boasts a 146 ERA+, his FIP sits at 3.99, and he ranks in the 87th percentile in offspeed pitch run value.
(Top image: Jackson Merrill: Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images; Paul Skenes: Rich von Biberstein / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Revamping the Rookie of the Year: Why MLB Should Separate Pitchers and Position Players
The Major League Baseball (MLB) Rookie of the Year award is a prestigious accolade that recognizes outstanding first-year talent. However, the current system of awarding a single Rookie of the Year for both pitchers and position players has sparked debate among fans, analysts, and players alike. This article explores the rationale behind separating these categories, the benefits it would bring, and practical considerations for implementing such a change.
The Current State of the Rookie of the Year Award
Since its inception in 1947, the Rookie of the Year award has been celebrated as a pivotal recognition for emerging baseball talent. However, the existing structure combines pitchers and position players into one category. This amalgamation has led to a number of concerns:
- Inherent Differences: Pitchers and position players have fundamentally different roles, responsibilities, and statistics. Comparing their performances directly can be misleading.
- Statistical Discrepancies: Evaluating a player’s season solely based on traditional statistics often fails to encapsulate the complete contributions of both pitchers and position players.
- Voter Bias: Voter bias can skew results. Many voters may have a preference for position players due to their visibility and impact on the game, often overshadowing stellar pitching performances.
Arguments for Separation
1. Fairer Recognition
By separating the Rookie of the Year award into two distinct categories, MLB would ensure that both pitchers and position players receive fair recognition for their achievements:
- Tailored Metrics: Each category can utilize statistics that best reflect their performance, such as ERA and WHIP for pitchers and batting average and OPS for position players.
- Increased Competition: More awards mean more competition, enriching the MLB narrative and encouraging young players to excel.
2. Enhanced Fan Engagement
Separating the awards could lead to heightened engagement among fans. Here’s how:
- Focused Discussions: Fans can engage in deeper analysis of each category, fostering discussions that are more nuanced and informed.
- Rivalries and Storylines: The emergence of separate award races can create exciting storylines throughout the season, captivating audiences and increasing viewership.
3. Acknowledgment of Different Skill Sets
Pitchers and position players must master different skill sets to succeed:
- Skill Specialization: The specialized skill sets required for pitchers (e.g., control, velocity) contrast sharply with those necessary for position players (e.g., hitting, fielding).
- Impact on Team Dynamics: The roles they play on their teams differ significantly, affecting how they influence games and contribute to winning.
Benefits of Implementing Separate Awards
1. Improved Talent Development
A separate Rookie of the Year award can invigorate the developmental pipeline in MLB:
- Encouragement for Pitchers: Young pitchers may feel more motivated knowing they have a dedicated award for their accomplishments.
- Increased Focus on Diversity: As young talent is recognized in different categories, more diverse player types may be encouraged to flourish.
2. Increased Sponsorship Opportunities
With more awards available, the potential for new sponsorship opportunities grows:
- Tailored Sponsorships: Brands can target specific award categories, facilitating more customized partnerships.
- Boosting Revenue: Additional awards can generate more revenue through sponsorship deals, merchandise sales, and promotional events.
3. Enhanced Historical Context
A split in the award structure allows MLB to better document and celebrate its history:
- Clear Comparison Across Eras: Future fans and analysts can compare similar players in their respective categories more effectively.
- Expanded Award Ceremonies: Award ceremonies can be more elaborate, showcasing both categories and the emerging talent of the sport.
Implementation Considerations
While the benefits are clear, implementing separate Rookie of the Year awards requires careful consideration:
1. Award Selection Process
The process for selecting winners would need to be defined clearly:
- Voter Pool: Expand the voter pool to include former players, coaches, and analysts to ensure diverse perspectives.
- Statistical Criteria: Establish statistics unique to each category to guide voters.
2. Marketing and Promotion
A comprehensive marketing strategy would be essential:
- Awareness Campaigns: Launch campaigns to inform fans about the changes and the significance of each award.
- Engagement Initiatives: Utilize social media and fan engagement initiatives to increase excitement around the separate awards.
Case Studies: Successful Implementations in Other Sports
Other professional sports leagues have successfully navigated similar transitions, providing valuable lessons for MLB:
1. NBA’s Rookie of the Year Award
The NBA has long recognized both guards and forwards/centers in its Rookie of the Year award. This structure has led to:
- Increased Attention: The NBA’s dedicated awards for different player types have led to increased media coverage and fan interest.
- Enhanced Analysis: More granular analysis of rookie performances has enriched fan understanding of player development.
2. NFL’s Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year
The NFL’s dual award structure for rookie players has proven beneficial, with outcomes including:
- Fair Representation: Both offensive and defensive players gain recognition specific to their contributions.
- Historical Comparisons: This structure has made it easier for fans to analyze the success of rookies across different playing styles.
First-Hand Experiences: Voices from the MLB Community
Several players and analysts have weighed in on the potential separation:
1. Player Perspectives
Many rookies express their desire for recognition tailored to their specific roles:
- Pitchers’ Voices: Young pitchers often feel their achievements are overshadowed; many believe a separate award would enhance their visibility.
- Position Players’ Input: Position players also recognize the stark differences in contributions and feel that separating the awards would be a fairer representation of talent.
2. Analysts’ Opinions
Baseball analysts argue that the separation would enrich the league’s narrative:
- Improved Analysis: Analysts believe that distinct awards would promote deeper analysis and contribute to more engaging discussions.
- Encouraging Diversity: By recognizing various skill sets, MLB would encourage a more diverse pool of talent.
Statistical Comparison of Recent Rookies
To illustrate the differences between rookie performances, the following table showcases two standout rookies from recent MLB seasons. One is a pitcher and the other a position player, highlighting their unique contributions:
| Player Name | Position | Games Played | ERA / Batting Average | Strikeouts / Home Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spencer Strider | Pitcher | 30 | 2.67 | 202 |
| Julio Rodriguez | Outfielder | 157 | .284 | 28 |
This table underscores the stark differences in their contributions: Strider’s impact is measured primarily through pitching metrics, while Rodriguez’s performance is better represented through offensive statistics. This disparity highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to evaluating rookies in MLB.
Final Thoughts
Separating the Rookie of the Year award into distinct categories for pitchers and position players stands to benefit MLB in various ways. By ensuring fair recognition, enhancing fan engagement, and acknowledging the different skill sets required for success, the league can foster a more inclusive and enriching environment for emerging talent. As discussions continue to evolve, the time may be ripe for
