Detroit's McGonigle and Cincinnati's Stewart Sweep Rookie Honors
McGonigle won 28 of 30 first-place votes after signing a $150 million extension in April, while Stewart played in all 162 games.
By Naomi Tesfaye ·
Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle won the American League Rookie of the Year award Monday night.
The 21-year-old shortstop and third baseman earned the title after a consistent season that followed a major contract extension. McGonigle hit .278 with an .806 on-base plus slugging percentage. He also recorded 18 home runs, 72 runs batted in, 28 doubles and 12 stolen bases. The Tigers signed him to a $150 million, eight-year deal in April, just weeks after he reached the major leagues.
McGonigle received 28 of the 30 first-place ballots from the Baseball Writers' Association of America. He finished with 204 points in the voting. Cleveland Guardians left-hander Parker Messick placed second with 122 points. Messick posted a 12-9 record, a 2.56 earned run average and 193 strikeouts. Boston Red Sox left-hander Payton Tolle finished third with 54 points. Tolle went 9-6 with a 3.03 ERA and 171 strikeouts.
"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. He added that on tired days he would lace up his cleats for the clubhouse and the organization. McGonigle is the first Tigers player to win the award since Michael Fulmer in 2016. He is also the first Detroit infielder to receive the honor since Lou Whitaker in 1978.
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart won the National League award. Stewart, 22, played in all 162 games and started 161 of them. He hit 32 home runs and drove in 112 runs. Stewart selected first on 20 of the 30 ballots and finished with 170 points.
New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge finished second with 107 points. Benge hit 20 home runs and stole 22 bases. St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt placed third with 99 points. Wetherholt batted .242 and hit 17 home runs while providing strong defense.
Stewart is the ninth Reds player to win the rookie award. He is the first Cincinnati native to win since Jonathan India in 2021. He is also the first National League first baseman to win the honor since Pete Alonso in 2019. Stewart, who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 224 pounds, was a first-round draft pick in 2022. He said playing all 162 games was his favorite accomplishment of the season.
