The case for each Rookie of the Year finalist (7 p.m. ET, MLB Network and MLB+)

MLB beat writers have outlined the cases for the finalists of the 2026 American League and National League Rookie of the Year awards ahead of the official announcement. In the American League, the finalists are Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle, Cleveland Guardians left-handed pitcher Parker Messick, and Boston Red Sox left-hander Payton Tolle. McGonigle led all AL players with 7.1 bWAR, while Messick delivered a 2.56 ERA over 186 1/3 innings.

In the National League, the finalists are New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge, Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart, and St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt. Stewart posted a 32-home run and 112-RBI campaign while playing in all 162 games, while Wetherholt registered an NL-rookie-leading 4.6 fWAR behind elite second-base defense. Benge offered a well-rounded skillset, leading all National League right fielders with 10 assists.