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Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle and Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart were named the 2026 American League and National League Rookies of the Year on Monday night. The awards were presented as part of the annual voting schedule conducted by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA).
Kevin McGonigle Dominates American League Voting
McGonigle captured the American League award in decisive fashion, receiving 28 out of 30 first-place votes to secure 204 of a maximum 210 points. The 21-year-old Pennsylvania native made the big-league roster out of spring training and posted a .278/.376/.430 batting line with a 126 OPS+. Over the course of the season, he collected 28 doubles, five triples, 18 home runs, 72 RBIs, 97 runs scored, and 12 stolen bases while striking out 100 times against 95 walks. He earned an All-Star selection and accumulated 7.1 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), leading all AL position players.
Shortly after making his major league debut, McGonigle agreed to an eight-year, $150 million contract extension with Detroit. He becomes the sixth player in franchise history to win Rookie of the Year, joining Michael Fulmer (2016), Justin Verlander (2006), Lou Whitaker (1978), Mark Fidrych (1976), and Harvey Kuenn (1953).
Cleveland Guardians pitcher Parker Messick finished second in AL voting after recording a 12-9 record with a 2.56 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 193 strikeouts over 186 1/3 innings. Messick is also a top-three finalist for the AL Cy Young Award. Boston Red Sox starter Payton Tolle placed third, going 9-6 with a 3.03 ERA (135 ERA+), 1.10 WHIP, and 171 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings.
Sal Stewart Secures National League Honors
In the National League, Stewart won the award after receiving 20 of the 30 available first-place votes. Playing in all 162 games for Cincinnati, he hit .263/.330/.457 (117 OPS+) with 25 doubles, 32 home runs, 112 RBIs, 87 runs, and 15 stolen bases, recording 2.0 WAR. Stewart became just the 15th rookie in Major League Baseball history to reach at least 30 home runs and 100 RBIs in a single season.
Stewart is the ninth player in Reds history to claim the award, following Jonathan India (2021), Scott Williamson (1999), Chris Sabo (1988), Pat Zachry (1976), Johnny Bench (1968), Tommy Helms (1966), Pete Rose (1963), and Frank Robinson (1956).
New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge placed second in the NL race. The 2024 first-round selection earned a roster spot out of spring training and batted .282/.346/.430 with 20 home runs, 22 steals, and 4.3 WAR. St. Louis Cardinals infielder JJ Wetherholt finished third after compiling 4.5 WAR across 139 games, hitting .242/.339/.365 with 17 home runs, 14 steals, and 89 runs while benefiting from strong defensive evaluation metrics.
Draft Pick Incentives and Voting Rules
Because both McGonigle and Stewart spent sufficient time on major-league rosters to accrue a full year of service time, the Tigers and Reds will each receive an extra Prospect Promotion Incentive selection in the 2027 MLB Draft.
BBWAA voting consists of ballots submitted by 30 writers per league, representing two journalists from each MLB city. All ballots were finalized prior to the postseason, restricting consideration entirely to regular-season performances. The BBWAA will continue presenting its annual awards throughout the week, including Manager of the Year, Reliever of the Year, Cy Young, and Most Valuable Player honors.
