Sports · Baseball · 7 hrs ago
McGonigle and Stewart win MLB Rookie of the Year awards
Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle won the American League award, and Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart won the National League award.
The Baseball Writers’ Association of America gives the honors to the top rookies in each league.
Voters considered players’ regular-season performances, not what they did in the playoffs.
McGonigle received 28 of 30 first-place votes after a season that included 18 home runs and 7.1 wins above replacement.
Stewart hit 32 home runs and drove in 112 runs, becoming the first Reds rookie to reach 30 homers and 100 RBIs in a season.
Both teams had their rookies in the majors long enough to earn a full year of service time, so Detroit and Cincinnati each gain a pick after the first round of the 2027 draft.
Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle won the American League Rookie of the Year award.
He received 28 of 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.
Cleveland Guardians pitcher Parker Messick was runner-up, receiving the other two first-place votes.
McGonigle’s win earns Detroit a Prospect Promotion Incentive pick after the first round of the 2027 draft.
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart won the National League award.
- Who
- Kevin McGonigle, a Detroit Tigers infielder.
- What
- He won the American League Rookie of the Year award.
- When
- Monday evening, November 9, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- He received 28 of 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
McGonigle played for the Tigers and recorded 7.1 wins above replacement.
The Baseball Writers’ Association of America announced McGonigle as the American League Rookie of the Year.
Detroit is set to receive a Prospect Promotion Incentive pick after the first round.
- Winner
- Kevin McGonigle
- Team
- Detroit Tigers
- First-place votes
- 28 of 30
- Runner-up
- Parker Messick, Cleveland Guardians
- Draft benefit
- Prospect Promotion Incentive pick after the first round of the 2027 draft
11 sources
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Kevin McGonigle takes home 2026 BBWAA AL Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year honors! 🏆
Kevin McGonigle received 28 of 30 first place votes