Congratulations to both Sal Stewart of the Cincinnati Reds and Kevin McGonigle of the Detroit Tigers for winning the National League and American League Rookies of the Year Awards. As in recent years, MLB announced the top three finalists for each of the end-of-the-year awards. While there certainly more players in the running, announcing the top three for each category made for interesting debates.
The future of the Reds looks bright (barring a work stoppage) thanks in part to a young core of players who can only get better as they develop as a team. Between Chase Burns leading the rotation, and some guy named Elly de la Cruz, who quietly had a 30 HR/30 SB season, patrolling the infield, this team has the potential to challenge for the NL Central title for the next few years. But Sal Stewart, the Reds' up-and-coming superstar (he did appear in this year's ASG), appeared in all 162 games for Cincy, hit for a .263 average, with 32 HR, home runs, 112 RBI's, and had a slash line of .330/.457/.787. He was named to the NL All-Star Team as the backup third baseman, but has primarily been the Redlegs' first baseman in 2026. Stewart received 20 of the 30 first place votes, earning 170 total points (7 points for first place, 4 for second, 3 for third, 2 for fourth, and 1 for fifth place).
The other finalists were Carson Benge of the Mets (107 points, 7 first place votes) and JJ Wetherholt of the Cardinals (99, 3). The rest of the field included Mets pitcher Nolan McLean (70 points, 6 second place votes), TJ Rumfield of the Rockies (49, 3), Logan Henderson of the Brewers (10, 1), Bryce Eldridge of the Giants (2), Didier Fuentes of the Braves, (2), and A. J. Ewing of the Mets (1).
For the American League, fellow rookie All-Star Kevin McGonigle of the Tigers was announced the league's ROY. The Tigers, like the Reds, have a core group of players that look to challenge for the AL Central division going forward. Dillon Dingler helps manage the pitching staff, and along Colt Keith, Spencer Torkelson, and Zach McKinstry, the lineup looks formidable. But it's McGonigle's breakout year that made headlines in 2026. The shortstop appeared in 156 games for the Tigers, hitting at a .278 clip to go with 18 homers, 72 rbi's, and a slash line of .376/.430/.806. McGonigle received 28 of the 30 first place votes, earning a commanding 204 points.
The other finalists were Guardians' pitcher Parker Messick (122 points, 2 first place votes), and Red Sox pitcher Payton Tolle (54). The rest included Munetaka Murakami of the White Sox (39 points, 2 second place votes), Carter Jensen of the Royals (31), Chase DeLauter of the Guardians (23, 1), Kazuma Okamoto of the Blue Jays (17), Tristan Peters of the White Sox (12), Walbert Ureña of the Angels (2), Sam Antonacci of the White Sox (2), Travis Bazzana of the Guardians (2), Henry Bolte of the Athletics (1), and Dylan Beavers of the Orioles (1).
Stewart becomes the ninth Reds player to be named Rookie of the Year, while McGonigle is the sixth Tigers player to win the award.
So begins a wild week were debates will come fast and furious. Did your guy win???
Sincerely,
JayBee Anama
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