In 2023: Diamondbacks’ Outfielder Cobin Carroll outperformed what the other finalists did stats-wise – and he’s done things that no rookie has ever done before (like becoming the first rookie to hit 25 or more homer-runs and steal 50 or more bases this year when he hit 25 and stole 54).
In 2022: Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris won the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award for the National League, capturing 22 of 30 first place votes to win the award.
In 2021: Cincinnati Reds’ Jonathan India won the 2021 Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award at just 24-years-old – becoming the eighth ROTY winner from the Reds and the first since Scott Williamson secured the honors in 1999.
Discover who Vegas odds-makers favor winning the 2024 award:
Who Decides the MLB NL ROY Winner?
The Baseball Writers’ Association of America holds decides who the ROY winner for both leagues (National League and American League).
A rookie is a player with less than 130 at-bats, 50 innings pitched, or 45 total days on an active MLB roster prior to September 1…
According to MLB rules, a rookie is a player with less than 130 at-bats, 50 innings pitched, or 45 total days on an active MLB roster prior to September 1 of that year.
The award has received criticism in recent years because players from the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league have won MLB ROY, such as Hideo Nomo (1995), Kazuhiro Sasaki (2000), Ichiro Suzuki (2001), and Shohei Ohtani (2018). However, the rules have not changed as a result.
Each voter selects three rookies: a first-place choice is worth five points, a second-place choice three points, and a third-place choice one point. The MLB presents the award in November to the player who receives the most overall points.
Past Ten MLB NL ROY Winners
| Year | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Bryce Harper (OF) | Washington Nationals |
| 2013 | Jose Fernandez (P) | Miami Marlins |
| 2014 | Jacob deGrom (P) | New York Mets |
| 2015 | Kris Bryant (3B) | Chicago Cubs |
| 2016 | Corey Seager (SS) | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| 2017 | Cody Bellinger (1B) | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| 2018 | Ronald Acuna Jr. (OF) | Atlanta Braves |
| 2019 | Pete Alonso (1B) | New York Mets |
| 2020 | Devin Williams (RP) | Milwaukee Brewers |
| 2021 | Jonathan India (2B) | Cincinnati Reds |
| 2021 | Michael Harris (OF) | Atlanta Bravess |
| 2022 | Cobin Carroll (OF) | Diamondbacks |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the MLB Rookie of the Year award called the Jackie Robinson Award?
Initially, the MLB ROY Award was named after Chicago White Sox Owner Louis Comiskey.
However, the award was officially renamed the Jackie Robinson Award in July 1987, forty years after Jackie Robinson broke the baseball color line. Before 1947, the MLB didn't allow players of Black African descent to compete in Major League Baseball and its affiliated Minor Leagues.
Who is the opening betting favorite to win the 2022 NL Rookie of the Year Award?
Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Oneil Cruz is the opening favorite to win the NL Rookie of the Year Award. Close behind are Chicago Cubs player Seiya Suzuki and Bryson Stott of the Philadelphia Phillies.
What is an MLB rookie?
MLB rules state that a rookie is a player with less than 130 at-bats, 50 innings pitched, or 45 total days on an active MLB roster prior to September 1 of that season. Therefore, older players from other leagues are considered rookies when they make an MLB debut.
Can I bet on the MLB ROY Award online?
Yes. Top online MLB betting sites offer odds for this popular futures betting market. Before opening your new sportsbook account today, claim a welcome bonus to enjoy a deposit match on your first payment.