Kevin McGonigle and Sal Stewart have been named the Rookies of the Year, securing the prestigious honors for the Detroit Tigers and Cincinnati Reds, respectively.
The Tigers signed Kevin McGonigle to an eight-year, 150 million dollar contract in April, a few weeks after his major league debut, and he justified that confidence by helping the Tigers stay in the playoff race for much of the summer. The 21-year-old infielder maintained a .278 batting average, contributing 18 home runs, 72 RBIs, 28 doubles, and 12 stolen bases while splitting time between third base and shortstop.
McGonigle is the first Detroit player to win the award since pitcher Michael Fulmer in 2016 and the first position player from the club to earn the honor since Lou Whitaker in 1978. He received 28 of 30 first-place votes, outpacing finalists Parker Messick of the Cleveland Guardians and Boston Red Sox pitcher Payton Tolle.
“I strive to play my role and help this team as much as I can, and that is what motivates me every day,” McGonigle said. “The days when you are tired, the days when you need rest, you have to lace up your shoes and go on the field for the guys in the clubhouse and for this organization.”
Sal Stewart provided a steady presence for the Cincinnati Reds, appearing in all 162 games of the season and starting in 161 of them. His offensive output included 32 home runs and 112 RBIs, making him the ninth player in franchise history to win the award and the first since Jonathan India in 2021.
Stewart secured 20 of the 30 first-place votes. He finished ahead of New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge and St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt. While Benge recorded 20 home runs and 22 stolen bases, and Wetherholt maintained a .242 average with 17 home runs, Stewart’s availability and production proved the deciding factor for voters.
In the American League, Parker Messick concluded his season with a 12-9 record and a 2.56 ERA, while Payton Tolle recorded a 9-6 mark with a 3.03 ERA.
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