Detroit Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle and Cincinnati Reds outfielder Sal Stewart won the 2026 American League and National League Rookie of the Year Awards, respectively.
The Baseball Writers’ Association of America voted on the awards at the end of the 2026 regular season and before the start of the postseason. Since 1949, MLB has presented separate honors for each league. The award was named the Jackie Robinson Award in 1987, marking the 40th anniversary of Robinson breaking baseball’s color barrier.
TOP NEWS
Jackie Robinson won the inaugural award in 1947 as a Brooklyn Dodgers first baseman. He batted .297 with 12 home runs, 31 doubles, five triples, 48 RBIs and 29 stolen bases.
Rookie eligibility standards have evolved. Before 1957, voters used subjective judgment. From 1957 onward, thresholds were formalized: initially fewer than 75 at-bats or 45 innings pitched; later adjusted to 90 at-bats, 45 innings or 45 days of service time; and since 1971, the standard has been 130 at-bats, 50 innings pitched or 45 days of non-September service time.
The 2023–2026 winners include several players confirmed by ESPN’s official data feeds as active major leaguers in their fifth seasons as of November 9, 2026. Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2023 AL winner) is age 25 and in his fifth season. Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll (2023 NL winner) is age 26 and in his fifth season. Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (2022 AL winner) is age 25 and in his fifth season. Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris II (2022 NL winner) is age 25 and in his fifth season.
The full historical list includes 1947–2026 winners across both leagues, with multiple winners named in some years — such as 1976 (Butch Metzger and Pat Zachry, both NL) and 1979 (John Castino and Rick Sutcliffe, AL and NL respectively).
More: MLB · Cincinnati Reds · Detroit Tigers
