Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle wins AL Rookie of the Year Jackie Robinson

Kevin McGonigle of the Detroit Tigers received 28 of 30 first-place votes en route to winning the 2026 American League Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year award.

McGonigle split his time almost equally between shortstop (675 2/3 innings in 96 games) and third base (644 innings in 94 games). He was also a designated hitter in five games. The only other past winner so divided by positions played was Tony Kubek of the Yankees in 1957 with 297 1/3 innings in 41 games at shortstop and 303 innings in 38 games at third base. That year, Kubek also played 31 games (228 innings) in left field and 22 games (130 2/3 innings) in center field.

This election marks the sixth time a Tigers player has been honored. The others were Harvey Kuenn in 1953, Mark Fidrych in 1976, Lou Whitaker in 1978, Justin Verlander in 2006 and Michael Fullmer in 2016.

Parker Messick is the sixth Cleveland player to finish second in AL Rookie of the Year voting since the franchise last had a winner, catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. in 1990. Messick followed Tanner Bibee in 2023, Francisco Lindor in 2015, CC Sabathia in 2001, Manny Ramirez in 1994 and Kenny Lofton in 1992.

Payton Tolle is the second straight third for the Red Sox. Roman Anthony finished third last year.

McGonigle and Messick were the only players named on each ballot.

Ballots were submitted before the playoffs. They are compiled according to a system that awards seven points for first place, four points for second place, three points for third place, two points for second and one point for fifth.

AL Rookie of the Year Jackie Robinson 2026

Below is a breakdown of the 30 individual ballots, submitted by two authors representing each American League city. For more information about voting, see our Voting FAQ.