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Kevin McGonigle, Sal Stewart named MLB rookies of the year
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Tigers' Kevin McGonigle, Reds' Sal Stewart named MLB rookies of the year

By Andrew Wright  |  Last updated Nov 9, 2026 8:56 PM ET
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The 2026 MLB season was full of breakout performances from young stars across the league.

No two young players may have been better, though, than Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle and Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart. Both McGonigle and Stewart turned in one of the best rookie seasons in the history of their respective franchises, and they were each awarded top rookie honors on Monday.

Kevin McGonigle was named AL Rookie of the Year

McGonigle was named the 2026 AL Rookie of the Year on Monday, becoming the first Detroit player to win the award since Michael Fulmer in 2016 and just the sixth player in franchise history to do so.

The season McGonigle put together was outstanding, as he slashed .278/.376/.430, good for an OPS of .806 with 18 home runs, 28 doubles, 75 RBI and 95 walks.

From the moment he made his MLB debut, it was clear that McGonigle was going to be the frontrunner for the AL Rookie of the Year Award and the voting reflected just that.

Sal Stewart wins NL Rookie of the Year

Switching over to the National League, Stewart became the first Reds player to win the award since Jonathan India in 2021 and the ninth player in franchise history to do so.

Stewart had a stellar season, slashing .263/.330/.457, good for an OPS of .787 with 25 doubles, 32 home runs and a rookie franchise record 111 RBI.

Stewart was locked in a tight battle with St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt for a good majority of the season, but ultimately, he pulled away from both Wetherholt and a surging Carson Benge of the New York Mets.

The remainder of the awards will be announced throughout the week

Monday's Rookie of the Year announcements were the first of four award announcements during the week.

Tuesday, the winners of the AL and NL Manager of the Year will be announced, followed by the Cy Young Award winners on Wednesday and MVP winners on Friday.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan. 

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