League: MLB Sport: Baseball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

A.J. Hinch endorses Kevin McGonigle for AL Rookie of the Year

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 24, 2026, 1:19 AM

Last updated Sep 24, 2026

A.J. Hinch endorses Kevin McGonigle for AL Rookie of the Year

Summary

Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch publicly backed Kevin McGonigle for the American League Rookie of the Year during a recent MLB Network Radio appearance. McGonigle has performed consistently well this season, boasting a.278 batting average, 17 home runs, and 70 RBIs through 153 games. Despite his strong candidacy, he faces competition from Cleveland's Parker Messick, ranked second in AL Rookie of the Year voting, and Chicago's Munetaka Murakami, known for his power hitting. As the season nears its end, the Rookie of the Year race remains competitive, with voters likely weighing various factors in their decision-making process.

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By the Numbers

•Hinch endorsed McGonigle without acknowledging other candidates.
•McGonigle has a.378 on-base percentage and 6.1 WAR, leading all MLB rookies.
•Messick provides strong pitching competition, while Murakami offers significant power.
•Rookie of the Year voting will consider overall contributions, not just statistics.
•The competing candidates have different strengths affecting voter perceptions.

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