McGonigle sweeps 28 of 30 first-place votes for AL Rookie of the Year

Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle won the American League Rookie of the Year award on Monday night. He collected 204 points in the balloting conducted by the Baseball Writers' Association of America before the postseason began.

McGonigle received 28 of the 30 first-place votes. Cleveland Guardians left-hander Parker Messick finished second with 122 points and the remaining two first-place votes. Boston Red Sox left-hander Payton Tolle placed third with 54 points.

McGonigle played most of the season at age 21. He posted a .278 batting average and a .806 on-base plus slugging percentage. His season line included 18 home runs, 72 runs batted in, 28 doubles, and 12 stolen bases. He split time between shortstop and third base. The Tigers signed him to an eight-year, $150 million contract in April, just weeks into his rookie year.

“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. “On the days you're tired, the days you need to rest, you've got to go out, lace the cleats up and go out for the guys in the clubhouse and this organization.”

McGonigle is the first Tigers player to win the award since pitcher Michael Fulmer in 2016. He is the first Detroit infielder to receive the honor since Lou Whitaker in 1978. His consistent production helped the Tigers remain in the playoff race for much of the summer and earned him an All-Star selection.

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart took the National League award. He finished with 170 points and was named first on 20 of the 30 ballots. New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge finished second with 107 points and seven first-place votes. St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt placed third with 99 points and three first-place votes.

Stewart, 22, played in all 162 games and started 161 of them. He hit 32 home runs and drove in 112 runs. He is the ninth Cincinnati player to win the award and the first since Jonathan India in 2021. The 6-foot-1, 224-pound slugger, a 2022 first-round draft pick from a Miami high school, cited playing every game as his favorite accomplishment this season.