McGonigle and Stewart Win 2026 Rookie of the Year Awards
The short version: Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle won 2026 AL Rookie of the Year with 28 of 30 first-place votes, and Reds first baseman Sal Stewart won in the NL with 20 of 30. Both are 22. McGonigle led the American League in WAR as a rookie, and Stewart became the first Reds rookie with 30 home runs and 100 RBI in the same season.
How Good Was Kevin McGonigle’s Rookie Season?
Good enough that the Tigers didn’t wait to find out. About a month into his first season, Detroit signed him to an eight-year, $150 million extension. That’s a front office telling you exactly what it thinks of a player, and he made them look smart.
McGonigle hit .278/.376/.430 with 18 home runs, 12 steals and 97 runs, the most of any rookie. He finished with 7.1 bWAR, which led the entire American League, not just rookies. He’s only three years out of high school.
The number that jumps out to me is his plate discipline: 95 walks and 100 strikeouts. A 22-year-old who walks almost as often as he strikes out is rare. According to ESPN, he’s the first rookie to finish in the AL top five in both walks and hits since Ted Williams in 1939. That’s the company he’s keeping.
He did all of it while splitting time between shortstop and third base, which is why he’s a Silver Slugger finalist at both shortstop and utility.
Who else got AL Rookie of the Year votes?
Parker Messick, Guardians: the other two first-place votes, after going 12-9 with a 2.56 ERA in 32 starts. In most years that wins it.
Payton Tolle, Red Sox: a 3.03 ERA and 171 strikeouts in 148⅔ innings, finishing with 12 third-place votes.
What Does This Mean for Payton Tolle and the Red Sox?
I’ll admit it: I love Payton Tolle, and finishing third behind a 7-WAR shortstop is nothing to be upset about. Nick and I went back and forth on our Episode 381 show about whether Boston should extend him now. Nick says lock him up. I still want one more year of proof, because early extensions for young Red Sox arms haven’t always worked out.
But look at what Detroit did with McGonigle. They paid early, and they look brilliant. If Tolle opens 2027 the way he finished 2026, the price only goes up.
How Did Sal Stewart Win NL Rookie of the Year?
By showing up every day and doing damage. Stewart played all 162 games and hit .263/.330/.457 with 32 home runs, 112 RBI and 15 stolen bases. He said afterward that being available for his teammates every day is what he’s proudest of, and I respect that more than any stat line. Durability is a skill.
His season puts him in rare company:
He’s the first Reds rookie ever with 30 home runs and 100 RBI.
He’s only the fifth rookie in history with 100 RBI and 15 steals, joining Carlos Beltrán, José Canseco, Tony Lazzeri and Al Simmons.
Stewart was a first-round pick out of high school in Miami in 2022. That’s another win for a small-market team that drafted and developed its own guy.
Who else got NL Rookie of the Year votes?
Carson Benge, Mets: seven first-place votes after hitting .282 and becoming the first Mets rookie with a 20/20 season. Add his arm in right field, and he’s going to be a problem for a long time.
JJ Wetherholt, Cardinals: three first-place votes, with 17 home runs, 14 steals and strong defense at second base. As a Cardinals guy, I like what I see. I still want another full season before I put him with the best second basemen in the game.
What Do These Two Winners Have in Common?
Both teams drafted their winner, developed him and committed to him early. Detroit locked McGonigle up a month into his career. Cincinnati put Stewart in the lineup every single day. Neither team bought its way to these awards.
That’s the model for mid-market and small-market teams, and it’s why the fight over the next CBA matters. Under the current system, those teams eventually lose the stars they develop. The question is whether the next deal gives them a better shot to keep players like McGonigle and Stewart for their whole careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won 2026 AL Rookie of the Year?
Kevin McGonigle of the Detroit Tigers, with 28 of 30 first-place votes.
Who won 2026 NL Rookie of the Year?
Sal Stewart of the Cincinnati Reds, with 20 of 30 first-place votes.
Was either Rookie of the Year vote unanimous?
No. Parker Messick got two first-place votes in the AL. In the NL, Carson Benge got seven and JJ Wetherholt got three.
What were Sal Stewart’s 2026 stats?
Stewart hit .263 with 32 home runs, 112 RBI and 15 steals while playing all 162 games.
How much is Kevin McGonigle’s contract?
McGonigle signed an eight-year, $150 million extension about a month into his rookie season.
Where can I hear more?
Catch our awards takes on Rounding Third, live Sunday and Thursday nights on YouTube and Facebook. Read more in The Rounding Third Rundown, or explore every show on the Rounding Third Media Network.
