Tigers' McGonigle wins AL Rookie of the Year, Reds' Stewart takes NL honour

The winner of the 2026 American League Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award is Kevin McGonigal. Congratulations, Kevin. Feels great. Sorry about the internet connection, but, I mean, I don't really know how to put it into words. I'm just super grateful for, you know. This season, I went out and worked my butt off to play for this team and help this team win as much as I could to get recognized. So I just want to thank, you know, the coaches and my teammates, my family, my friends and the community of Delaware County, you know, for all their support throughout this journey. And it's just it's hard to put in words. I'm just super grateful and humble and thankful for this. Obviously, you know, my family and myself, you know, growing up, you know, loving this game from a young age, just believing in myself, having the confidence to, you know, see myself, you know, playing at the highest level of baseball one day and, you know, to see it all pay out. And, you know, it's just, it's hard to put into words and, you know, I wouldn't be able to do it without my family, of course. And I would say just the way I go out and attack each and every day and, you know, try to help the team win is my biggest mindset. I think that's what helps the best. You know, growing up in the Philadelphia area, I was a big Chase Utley fan and, you know, the way he played the game and went out and hustled every pitch, every out and that, you know, that didn't go unseen for me. And, you know, growing up watching the 08 Phillies win a World Series, I was four years old, but I still remember banging pots and pans out front. But the biggest thing was, you know, Chase Utley for me and just try to model my game after him and, you know, play the game hard in the right way. The winner of the 2026 National League Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award. It's Sal Stewart. Congratulations, Sal. Let the celebrations begin. This is one Sal who knew how to do the right thing. Man, relief. I told myself, I was like, man, I know this award wouldn't define me because that's how I was raised. I've worked hard and I did what I could. Obviously, I told myself that, but as you hear everyone out there now, we're excited, man. I'm a kid from Miami. I work hard for this moment, man. A lot of people doubt me. I'm just focused, man. I'm focused and I know what I want. Since I was in middle school, man, you know, I dreamed this. I know what I can do. I'm capable. From when I was young, man, my family always taught me, you go strive for whatever you want. If you can put your mind into something and you have a dream, go chase it. And that's what I did. So I envisioned it. I want what's best for me and my family. I want to take care of everyone around me. Thank And I knew what it took. I had people that told me what it took. And yeah, I envision it, man, I see it, I know Jesus is with me, man, I have all the protection I need, I just have to go out there and be who I am, smile, and yeah, it came to fruition. I mean, damn, you know, kid from Miami you. and in conversation with Frank Robinson, are you kidding me? You know, a few years ago, I was in high school, I was a minister, and I'm here in conversation with Frank Robinson, I mean, it's something that I can't really explain. I always told myself throughout the year, like, it's on to the next game, it's on to the next game. But I think today I can sit back and realize that I'm fortunate to be in conversation with those people. So I couldn't have done it without my teammates. I want to take a quick second, man. I love my teammates. I know they're all watching right now. I wouldn't be here without them. I really want to say that. A young kid, you know, kind of flamboyant, kind of out there, you know. And they just let me be who I am and they let me go out there and do what I did. Man, I just want to really take a second to say thank you to my teammates because I wouldn't be here without them.