Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle and Cincinnati Reds outfielder Sal Stewart were announced as the 2026 American League and National League Rookies of the Year, respectively, on Monday night as part of the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) awards week.
American League: Kevin McGonigle, Tigers
McGonigle earned 28 of 30 first-place votes, totaling 204 out of a possible 210 points, to win in a landslide over Cleveland Guardians pitcher Parker Messick (two first-place votes, 122 points) and Boston Red Sox pitcher Payton Tolle (54 points). The 21-year-old Pennsylvania native broke camp with the Tigers and posted a .278/.376/.430 slash line (126 OPS+) with 28 doubles, five triples, 18 home runs, 72 RBI, 97 runs, 12 steals and a league-leading 7.1 WAR among position players. He also drew 95 walks against 100 strikeouts and was selected as an All-Star. Shortly after his debut, McGonigle agreed to an eight-year, $150 million contract extension. He joins previous Tigers Rookies of the Year Michael Fulmer (2016), Justin Verlander (2006), Lou Whitaker (1978), Mark Fidrych (1976) and Harvey Kuenn (1953).
National League: Sal Stewart, Reds
Stewart captured 20 first-place votes and 170 points, ahead of New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge (seven first-place votes, 107 points) and St. Louis Cardinals infielder JJ Wetherholt (three first-place votes, 99 points). Stewart appeared in all 162 games, hitting .263/.330/.457 (117 OPS+) with 25 doubles, 32 home runs, 112 RBI, 87 runs and 15 steals. His 32 homers and 111 RBI placed him among only 15 rookies in history to reach the 30-homer, 100-RBI plateau. He recorded 2.0 WAR. Stewart becomes the latest Reds player to win 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).
Because both winners accumulated a full year of service time, the Tigers and Reds will each receive a Prospect Promotion Incentive pick in the 2027 MLB Draft. The BBWAA awards, which also include Manager of the Year, Reliever of the Year, Cy Young and MVP, are voted on by 30 writers (two per MLB city in each league) before the playoffs begin.
