Boston Red Sox Rookie Starter Comes Up Short in Rookie of the Year Voting
· Yahoo Sports
On Monday night, Major League Baseball handed out the first of the annual Baseball Writers of America awards, naming the Rookie of the Year in both the American League and National League. Boston Red Sox starter Payton Tolle was among three finalists for the American League award, alongside Detroit Tigers’ shortstop Kevin McGonigle and Cleveland Guardians starter Parker Messick.
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Despite being named a finalist, Tolle finished third in voting, receiving 12 third-place votes, six fourth-place votes, and six fifth-place votes. McGonigle took home the honor in near-unanimous fashion, receiving 28 of 30 first-place votes.
Finishing third isn’t all that unexpected; however, that shouldn’t take away from his incredible rookie season. The 23-year-old left-hander didn’t start the year on the Red Sox major league roster, but when he was finally recalled on April 23, he immediately made it clear he was there to stay.
Tolle made 26 starts for the Red Sox, posting a 3.03 ERA, the fifth-lowest mark among American League rookie starters and seventh-lowest in baseball. Tolle also finished in the top five among American League rookie starters in strikeouts per nine innings (10.35, 3rd), walks per nine innings (2.42, 4th), home runs per nine innings (0.91, 4th), WHIP (1.10, T-2nd), fielding independent pitching (3.04, 1st) and fWAR (4.1, 2nd).
About McGonigleSep 12, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers third baseman Kevin McGonigle celebrates a home run in the third inning of a game against the Colorado Rockies at Comerica Park. Josh Boland-USA TODAY Network via Imagn ImagesOne of the top prospects in baseball heading into the 2026 season, McGonigle made Detroit’s opening day roster as its starting shortstop. In 156 games, the 21-year-old hit .278/.376/.430/.806 with 18 home runs and 28 doubles, driving in 78 runs. McGonigle led all qualified American League rookies with a 5.1 fWAR.
About MessickThe 25-year-old left-hander might be the only rookie starter to put together a better rookie season than Tolle. In 32 starts for the American League Central champion Guardians, Messick posted a 2.56 ERA, the lowest mark among all American League rookie starters and the second-lowest among all rookie starters in the sport.
Messick is also a finalist for the American League Cy Young Award, which will be handed out on Nov. 11.
A noteworthy omissionSep 9, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jake Bennett (64) pitches during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Fenway Park. Bob DeChiara-Imagn ImagesIn a somewhat surprising result, Red Sox rookie left-hander Jake Bennett did not appear on any of the 30 voters' ballots. In 20 appearances (19 starts), Bennett posted a 3.65 ERA. In those 20 appearances, Bennett flashed exceptional control, walking only 1.64 batters per nine innings, the lowest among all qualified rookie starters. While Bennett clearly wasn't in the mix to win the award, it was a bit surprising that he received no down-ballot votes. Baltimore Orioles outfielder Dylan Beavers, Athletics outfielder Henry Bolte, Guardians second baseman Travis Bazzana, and Chicago White Sox outfielder Sam Antonacci are among those who received at least one down-ballot vote.
Next up in awards season is the Manager of the Year award, with Red Sox manager Chad Tracy a finalist alongside Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash and Chicago White Sox skipper Will Venable. The winner will be announced Tuesday night.