Experienced foreign players will be considered for the rookie of the year award in both the Central and Pacific Leagues starting this season, NPB decided on Monday.
Players from overseas with professional experience were previously not eligible for the award. Eligibility will now be subject to a case-by-case review by NPB's executive committee and the board of each league.
On Monday, the Yomiuri Giants sought rookie eligibility for their Venezuelan closer Levi Romero, who has seven saves this season.