11/09/2026 06:37:00
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11/09 18:35 CST Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle wins AL Rookie of the Year
award after stellar all-around season
Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle wins AL Rookie of the Year award after stellar
all-around season
By DAVID BRANDT
AP Sports Writer
Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle won the American League Rookie of the
Year award Monday night after a stellar all-around season that sets him up to
be a franchise cornerstone for the next decade.
McGonigle --- who played most of the season at just 21 years old --- had a .278
batting average and .806 OPS with 18 homers, 72 RBIs, 28 doubles and 12 stolen
bases while splitting time between third base and shortstop. He's the first
Tigers player to win the award since pitcher Michael Fulmer in 2016 and the
first Tigers infielder since Lou Whitaker in 1978.
The Tigers thought enough of McGonigle's potential that they signed him to a
$150 million, eight-year deal in April, just a few weeks into his rookie
season. He backed up that confidence by making the All-Star team and helping
the Tigers remain in the playoff race for much of the summer.
McGonigle received 28 of 30 first-place votes. The balloting was conducted
before the postseason.
The other two AL finalists were Cleveland Guardians left-hander Parker Messick
and Boston Red Sox lefty Payton Tolle. Messick had a 12-9 record with a 2.56
ERA and 193 strikeouts while Tolle was 9-6 with a 3.03 ERA and 171 strikeouts.
The National League winner will be announced later Monday night.
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