Detroit shortstop Kevin McGonigle and Cincinnati infielder Sal Stewart won MLB’s Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year awards, capping standout seasons in a deep rookie class. McGonigle earned the American League honor with near-unanimous voting; Stewart led National League rookies in power production and played every game for the Reds.

By the Numbers
  • McGonigle received 28 of 30 first-place votes.
  • McGonigle hit .278 with 18 home runs, 72 RBIs and 12 stolen bases in 156 games.
  • Stewart hit 32 home runs, drove in 112 runs and stole 15 bases in 162 games.
  • Toronto’s Kazuma Okamoto finished seventh in AL voting; Canadian Tristan Peters finished eighth.
Yes, But

McGonigle’s win came despite strong seasons from finalists Parker Messick and Payton Tolle, both of whom posted sub-3.10 ERAs. Stewart beat finalists Carson Benge and JJ Wetherholt.

Bottom Line

McGonigle and Stewart turned high expectations into award-winning seasons, giving Detroit and Cincinnati cornerstone talents who already made an impact on both sides of the ball.