Kevin McGonigle and Sal Stewart Named MLB Rookies of the Year

Detroit's Kevin McGonigle and Cincinnati's Sal Stewart won the MLB Rookie of the Year awards on Monday after combining for 50 home runs.

Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle and Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart were named the American and National League Rookies of the Year on Monday night. McGonigle, 22, secured 28 of 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers' Association of America after leading the AL with 7.1 Baseball-Reference wins above replacement. Stewart, also 22, earned 20 of 30 first-place votes following a season where he recorded 32 home runs and 112 RBIs, the latter ranking third-highest in the majors.

McGonigle finished his debut season with a .278/.376/.430 slash line, 18 home runs, and 12 stolen bases. He became the first rookie since Ted Williams in 1939 to rank in the top five in the league for both walks (95) and hits (168). The left-handed hitter, a former first-round pick from Pennsylvania, also led all rookies with 97 runs scored while splitting defensive duties between shortstop and third base.

In the National League, Stewart became the first Reds rookie to reach 30 homers and 100 RBIs in a single season. Despite a struggle in September, he finished with a .263 batting average and 15 stolen bases. This performance made him only the fifth rookie in MLB history to record at least 100 RBIs and 15 steals, joining a group that includes Carlos Beltran and Jose Canseco.

Other finalists included Cleveland Guardians starter Parker Messick, who received two AL first-place votes after going 12-9 with a 2.56 ERA across 186⅓ innings. New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge earned seven NL first-place votes after hitting .282 with a 20/20 season, while St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt received three first-place votes for a campaign featuring 17 home runs and 14 steals.