McGonigle and Stewart Win Rookie Awards

Kevin McGonigle won the American League Rookie of the Year award on Monday night. The 21-year-old Detroit Tigers infielder received 28 of the 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers' Association of America. He finished the voting with 204 points.

McGonigle hit .278 with a .806 on-base plus slugging percentage during the regular season. He recorded 18 home runs, 72 runs batted in, 28 doubles, and 12 stolen bases. He played most of the year at shortstop and third base. He is the first Tiger to win the award since pitcher Michael Fulmer in 2016.

The Tigers signed McGonigle to an eight-year, $150 million contract in April. That deal came just weeks into his rookie season. McGonigle was named to the All-Star team and helped keep Detroit in the playoff race for much of the summer. He said he tries to help the team every day, even on tiring days.

Sal Stewart of the Cincinnati Reds won the National League award. The 22-year-old first baseman played in all 162 games. He hit 32 home runs and drove in 112 runs. Stewart received 20 first-place votes and finished with 170 points.

Stewart is the first National League first baseman to win the award since Pete Alonso in 2019. He was a first-round draft pick out of a Miami high school in 2022. He said playing every game was his favorite accomplishment of the season.

Cleveland Guardians left-hander Parker Messick finished second in the American League vote. He had a 12-9 record with a 2.56 earned run average and 193 strikeouts. Boston Red Sox left-hander Payton Tolle placed third with 54 points. He finished 9-6 with a 3.03 earned run average and 171 strikeouts.

New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge finished second in the National League vote. He hit 20 home runs and stole 22 bases. St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt placed third. He hit .242 with 17 home runs and three first-place votes.