Monday, November 9, 2026 — award week opens with two rookies who exceeded every expectation.
Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle and Reds infielder Sal Stewart were named the 2026 Jackie Robinson Rookies of the Year on Monday night, kicking off the BBWAA’s award week.
McGonigle’s Runaway Win
McGonigle wasn’t seriously challenged. He received 28 of 30 first-place votes, finishing well ahead of Guardians left-hander Parker Messick, who got the other two first-place votes and 122 points, and Red Sox lefty Payton Tolle, who was third with 54 points.
McGonigle hit .278 with 18 homers, 72 RBIs, 97 runs scored and 12 stolen bases, and Baseball Reference credited him with an AL-leading 7.1 WAR. He is the first Tiger to win the award since Michael Fulmer in 2016 and just the sixth in franchise history. Evan Longoria, the 2008 AL winner, announced the result.
Detroit bet on him early, signing McGonigle to an eight-year, $150 million deal in April, just weeks into his rookie season. In a year that included the trade of Tarik Skubal, he was the clearest sign that the Tigers’ future is in good hands.
Stewart’s Historic Year
In the National League, Stewart beat out the Mets’ Carson Benge and the Cardinals’ JJ Wetherholt. The 22-year-old hit 32 home runs, led all major league rookies in RBIs and set a Reds franchise record for RBIs by a rookie. He joins Albert Pujols, Pete Alonso and Aaron Judge as the only rookies with at least 30 homers and 110 RBIs.
The stat he is proudest of: he played all 162 games. Stewart is the ninth Reds player to win the award and the second this century, after Jonathan India in 2021.
A Bonus for Both Clubs
Both wins carry an extra reward. Under the Prospect Promotion Incentive, the Tigers and Reds each earn an additional pick in the 2027 draft. The PPI was designed to encourage teams to call up top prospects when they are ready rather than manipulate service time — and both clubs were rewarded for doing exactly that.
What’s Next
Manager of the Year is announced Tuesday, followed by the Cy Young Awards on Wednesday — where Messick is also a finalist — and the MVPs on Thursday.
The Read
Both winners were the obvious choices, and both teams were smart to commit early. For Detroit especially, McGonigle’s season offers a foundation to build on after losing its ace.
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