Tigers' McGonigle and Reds' Stewart Win 2026 Rookie of the Year Awards

The 2026 Major League Baseball season has produced its top young players according to the Baseball Writers Association of America. Kevin McGonigle of the Detroit Tigers and Sal Stewart of the Cincinnati Reds were named the American and National League Rookies of the Year, respectively. The announcements concluded the first night of BBWAA awards week, which recognizes the finest regular season performances.

McGonigle received the majority support from voters in the American League. He collected 28 of the 30 available first place votes. His total score stood at 204 points out of a possible 210. Parker Messick of the Cleveland Guardians and Payton Tolle of the Boston Red Sox finished in second and third place behind the Tigers outfielder.

Stewart dominated the National League voting with a similar margin of victory. He captured 20 of the 30 first place ballots. Carson Benge of the New York Mets and JJ Wetherholt of the St. Louis Cardinals finished in second and third place. Stewart’s case relied on his comprehensive offensive production across the full season.

Because both winners accumulated a full year of major league service time in 2026, their teams earned specific draft rewards. The Tigers and the Reds will receive a Prospect Promotion Incentive pick in the 2027 MLB Draft. This rule applies to clubs that keep top prospects in their starting lineups for a large portion of the campaign.

Stewart played in all 162 games for the Reds this year. He posted a .263 batting average, a .330 on base percentage, and a .457 slugging percentage. His 126 OPS+ rating came alongside 25 doubles, 32 home runs, and 112 runs batted in. He also scored 87 runs and stole 15 bases. He becomes the 15th rookie in history to hit at least 30 home runs and 100 RBIs in one season.

His competitors in the National League also produced strong results. Benge, a 2024 first round draft pick, made the opening day roster and hit .282. He finished with 20 home runs, 22 steals, and 4.3 wins above replacement. Wetherholt posted 4.5 WAR in 139 games with a .242 average, 17 home runs, and 14 steals while providing strong defensive value.

McGonigle led all American League position players with 7.1 WAR. He finished with a .278 average, a .376 on base percentage, and a .430 slugging percentage. His 126 OPS+ rating was supported by 28 doubles, five triples, 18 home runs, and 72 RBIs. He scored 97 runs and stole 12 bases. The 21 year old also drew 95 walks against 100 strikeouts.

The Tigers signed McGonigle to an eight year contract extension worth $150 million a few weeks after his debut. He was selected as an All Star and demonstrated strong defensive skills. Messick finished second in the voting with a 12 9 record, a 2.56 ERA, and a 1.06 WHIP. He struck out 193 batters in 186 one third innings and remains a top contender for the Cy Young Award. Tolle finished third with a 9 6 record, a 3.03 ERA, and a 1.10 WHIP. He recorded 171 strikeouts in 148 two third innings.