MLB Rookie of the Year 2026
The gist
Detroit Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle, 21, won the 2026 American League Rookie of the Year over Parker Messick and Payton Tolle.
The National League winner is still to be revealed in the same awards week.
How it unfolded
- Nov 3, 2026AL finalists named: Kevin McGonigle (Detroit Tigers), Parker Messick (Cleveland Guardians) and Payton Tolle (Boston Red Sox). NL finalists: Sal Stewart (Cincinnati Reds), JJ Wetherholt (St. Louis Cardinals) and Carson Benge (New York Mets).
- Nov 8, 2026BBWAA awards week begins Monday night with the Rookies of the Year announcements.
- Nov 9, 2026The BBWAA reveals the 2026 Rookies of the Year in the AL and NL.
Key terms
- shortstop
- A baseball or softball fielding position between second and third base, considered one of the most demanding defensive positions.
- American League
- One of the two leagues that make up Major League Baseball, the younger counterpart to the National League.
Source: Wikipedia