Kevin McGonigle, Sal Stewart win MLB Rookie of the Year awards

Explainer

Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle and Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart were named the American and National League Rookies of the Year for 2026 on Monday. McGonigle received 28 of 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers' Association of America, while Stewart earned 20 of 30 first-place votes. The awards cap standout debut seasons for both players, who were also All-Stars and helped their teams remain in playoff contention. McGonigle, 21, posted a .278 batting average and an .806 on-base plus slugging percentage with 18 home runs, 72 runs batted in and 12 stolen bases. He split his time between shortstop and third base, providing steady production over the full season. "I'm trying to play my part and trying to help this team as much as I can and that's what drives me every day," McGonigle said. "On the days you're tired, the days you need to rest, you've got to go out, lace the cleats up and go out for the guys in the clubhouse and this organization."

Stewart, 22, played in all 162 games for the Reds, hitting 32 home runs and driving in 112 runs. He became the first National League rookie with 30 or more homers since Pete Alonso in 2019. "Relieved," Stewart said of winning the award. "I told myself that this award wouldn't define me. That's how I was raised. I'm excited. I worked hard for this moment. A lot of people doubted me. I'm focused."

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How did the voting break down?

McGonigle finished with 204 total points in the AL voting, well ahead of the other finalists. Cleveland Guardians left-hander Parker Messick received the other two first-place votes and finished second with 122 points after a season where he went 12-9 with a 2.56 earned run average and 193 strikeouts. Boston Red Sox lefty Payton Tolle was third with 54 points, posting a 9-6 record with a 3.03 ERA and 171 strikeouts. In the National League, Stewart's 170 points led the field. New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge finished second with 107 points, including seven first-place votes, after hitting 20 homers and stealing 22 bases. St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt placed third with 99 points and three first-place votes, having hit .242 with 17 home runs while playing excellent defence.

What made McGonigle's season historic?

McGonigle led the entire American League with 7.1 wins above replacement according to Baseball Reference, making him the first rookie to lead his league in that category since Mike Trout in 2012. He led the AL with 707 plate appearances and his .376 on-base percentage ranked sixth in the league. McGonigle also became just the fourth rookie in AL/NL history to record at least 95 walks and 95 runs scored since the award was established in 1947, joining Aaron Judge, Hall of Famer Joe Morgan and Jim Gilliam. The Tigers showed immense faith in McGonigle early, signing him to a $150 million, eight-year contract in April just weeks into his rookie season. He is the first Tigers player to win the award since pitcher Michael Fulmer in 2016 and the first Detroit infielder since Lou Whitaker in 1978. "I don't really know how to put it into words," McGonigle said. "I'm just super grateful for how this season went. I worked my butt off to play and help this team win."

Where does Stewart rank in Reds history?

Stewart is the ninth Cincinnati Reds player to win the Rookie of the Year award and the second this century after infielder Jonathan India won in 2021. With his 32 home runs and 112 RBIs, Stewart became the second Reds rookie to hit at least 30 homers, joining Hall of Famer Frank Robinson, who won the award in 1956. He is also the first Reds rookie and the 14th rookie overall to post a 30-homer, 100-RBI season. Stewart played primarily first base but also saw time at third and second base. He said playing every game was his favourite accomplishment. "The people around my corner, they understand how hard that is, how difficult that is," Stewart told reporters. "Being available for your teammates every single day, that's something that kind of goes unnoticed at times. But I know my teammates always appreciate that, and I want them to know I'm always there for them." He also reflected on joining Robinson in the record books. "A few years ago, in high school, I was having a conversation with Frank Robinson," Stewart said. "Like, are you kidding me, man?"

Which other rookies received votes?

In the American League, Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto finished seventh in the voting, earning spots on 11 different ballots. Canadian Tristan Peters finished eighth. In the National League, Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Logan Henderson received some down-ballot support, getting one second-place vote, one third-place vote and three fifth-place votes after a season where he posted 3.3 bWAR. By winning Rookie of the Year, both McGonigle and Stewart earned their teams an extra pick after the first round of the 2027 amateur draft. The announcement of the AL and NL Manager of the Year awards is scheduled for Tuesday.

With files from Sportsnet, Yahoo Sports and Toronto Star