Heading into the 2026 MLB Awards, it’s time to examine where some of the league’s best rookies stand as the MLB Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year winners are set to be announced.
The Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) has announced the three finalists in each league, with the winners set to be revealed on November 9 at 7 p.m. ET on MLB Network (channel 213).
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MLB Rookie of the Year Candidates
With the 2026 MLB season complete, here’s a look at the finalists for the American League and National League Rookie of the Year Awards:
American League
- Kevin McGonigle, Detroit Tigers, Shortstop
- Parker Messick, Cleveland Guardians, Starting Pitcher
- Payton Tolle, Boston Red Sox, Starting Pitcher
National League
- Carson Benge, New York Mets, Right Fielder
- Sal Stewart, Cincinnati Reds, First Baseman
- JJ Wetherholt, St. Louis Cardinals, Second Baseman
American League Candidate Breakdowns
The American League Rookie of the Year finalists include a standout Tigers infielder and two young starting pitchers who made an immediate impact in their first full MLB seasons. Keep in mind, the statistics below reflect each player’s 2026 regular-season performance. BBWAA voting took place before the start of the postseason.
Kevin McGonigle – Detroit Tigers | Shortstop
McGonigle entered the 2026 season as one of baseball’s top prospects and quickly established himself as a key player for Detroit. After making the Tigers’ Opening Day roster, he became one of the team’s most productive hitters. In 156 games, McGonigle batted .278 with 18 home runs, 72 RBIs and 97 runs scored. At the plate, he drew 95 walks and recorded a .376 on-base percentage.
McGonigle finished the season with 7.1 Baseball-Reference WAR, leading all American League players and strengthening his case for Rookie of the Year.
Parker Messick – Cleveland Guardians | Starting Pitcher
After making his MLB debut late in 2025, Messick emerged as one of the American League’s most impressive young pitchers in his first full season, establishing himself as a reliable starter in Cleveland’s rotation.
The left-hander made 32 starts, recording a 12-9 record with a 2.56 ERA and 193 strikeouts across 186 1/3 innings. His ability to limit runs and work deep into games made him a valuable part of the Guardians’ pitching staff.
Messick is also a finalist for the 2026 American League Cy Young Award, giving him an opportunity to earn two major individual honors in the same season.
Payton Tolle – Boston Red Sox | Starting Pitcher
Tolle entered the 2026 season competing for a spot in Boston’s starting rotation and quickly proved he belonged in the majors.
After being recalled in April, the left-hander impressed with his powerful fastball and improved command. On April 23, he struck out 11 Yankees batters across six innings, establishing himself as a dependable starter.
Tolle finished the season with a 9-6 record, a 3.03 ERA and 171 strikeouts across 148 2/3 innings, demonstrating impressive consistency throughout his rookie campaign.
National League Candidate Breakdowns
The National League Rookie of the Year finalists feature three position players who contributed in different ways throughout the season, including a power hitter, a versatile outfielder and a standout defensive infielder. Keep in mind, the statistics below reflect each player’s 2026 regular-season performance. BBWAA voting took place before the start of the postseason.
Carson Benge – New York Mets | Right Fielder
Benge established himself as a versatile contributor for the Mets in 2026, combining consistent hitting with speed and strong defensive play in right field.
The rookie finished the season with a .282 batting average, 20 home runs, 65 RBIs and 22 stolen bases. His performance improved as the season progressed, with a particularly strong September helping strengthen his Rookie of the Year candidacy.
Sal Stewart – Cincinnati Reds | First Baseman
Stewart delivered one of the most productive offensive seasons of any rookie in 2026, providing Cincinnati with a consistent power threat in the middle of its lineup.
The 22-year-old appeared in all 162 games, batting .263 with 32 home runs, 112 RBIs and a .787 OPS. He led National League rookies in home runs, RBIs, extra-base hits and total bases.
Stewart also became the first Reds rookie to record at least 30 home runs and 100 RBIs in a season, making him a leading contender for the National League Rookie of the Year Award.
JJ Wetherholt – St. Louis Cardinals | Second Baseman
Wetherholt made his mark in 2026 with exceptional defense at second base and a consistent approach at the plate.
The Cardinals infielder finished the season with 17 home runs, 51 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. Although his .242 batting average trailed some of the other finalists, his defensive performance helped distinguish him from the competition. Wetherholt recorded 25 outs above average, the most among MLB second basemen.
Watch MLB Baseball on DIRECTV
The 2026 MLB season may be over, but there’s still plenty of baseball coverage to enjoy on DIRECTV. Tune in to MLB Network on channel 213 to watch the Rookie of the Year winners announced on November 9 at 7 p.m. ET and stay connected to the latest offseason news.
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