Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle has been named the American League Rookie of the Year, while Cincinnati Reds slugger Sal Stewart captured the National League award, the Baseball Writers' Association of America announced Tuesday.
McGonigle, a 21-year-old second baseman, impressed in his debut season with Detroit, posting a .285 batting average with 15 home runs and 62 RBIs while providing solid defense up the middle. The former second-round draft pick became the first Tigers player to win the award since Justin Verlander in 2006.
Stewart, 22, made an immediate impact for the Reds after his midseason call-up, batting .292 with 18 home runs and 55 RBIs in just 85 games. The powerful corner outfielder led all NL rookies in slugging percentage (.548) and OPS (.912), helping Cincinnati remain in playoff contention deep into September.
Both players received their awards at a ceremony in New York on Monday evening. The voting, conducted before the postseason, reflected strong first-place support for each winner across the 30-member BBWAA panel.
