Out of all the award races this season, none feels more locked up than the American League Rookie of the Year. Kevin McGonigle is in the middle of a tremendous rookie campaign. In 145 games this season, he has slashed .273/.373/.425 with 17 home runs, 65 RBIs, and an OPS+ of 123. He also has an AL-high 6.6 WAR. The Detroit Tigers appeared to have found their next face of the franchise. But McGonigle’s dominance has overshadowed other strong rookie campaigns. Specifically, those from the division-rival Cleveland Guardians. Both Parker Messick and Chase DeLauter are in the middle of seasons that deserve praise.
The Guardians Have Found Critical Pieces of Their Future
If anyone were to challenge McGonigle for AL Rookie of the Year, it would be Messick. After a cup of coffee last season, the southpaw has become one of the Guardians’ most trusted starters. Over 172 ⅓ innings, he has a 2.51 ERA with 178 strikeouts to 47 walks, a 1.033 WHIP, and a 163 ERA+. These numbers were enough to earn him his first All-Star Game appearances. It’s also very similar to what he did in his brief stint last season, showing this stretch isn’t a fluke and that this is the type of pitcher he is.
A large reason for Messick’s success has been his four-seam changeup combination. Both pitches have held batters under a .220 batting average. These have also produced chase rates over 29%, with his changeup registering at 42.9%. He also has a sinker, curveball, slider, and cutter in his arsenal. While they have flashes of brilliance, they are not as effective as his two main pitches. If the Guardians can hold on to the last wild-card spot in the AL, Messick should start Game 1 of a playoff series.
While Messick has dominated on the mound, DeLauter has been a force at the plate. After making his major league debut during the 2025 postseason, DeLauter has established himself as a critical piece of the Guardians lineup. In 125 games this season, he has slashed .289/.362/.453 with 14 home runs, 62 RBIs, and a 131 OPS+. Had he not missed a week and a half with a stress fracture in his ribs, his numbers would likely match McGonigle’s, and there would be a real discussion over who deserves the award.
Even without taking home the hardware, Guardians fans should be very happy with how DeLauter has performed this season. His contact quality is among the best in the league. According to Baseball Savant, he ranks in the 80th percentile in hard-hit% and the 96th percentile in squared-up%. With such high-quality contact, we’re likely just seeing the beginning of what he can do. If he can keep this up throughout his career, his numbers should only get better throughout his career.
Whether Cleveland has an October to remember or not, the Guardians’ future is bright. These two, plus former first overall pick Travis Bazzaba, are a foundation they can build a championship team around.
https://engagebetr.onelink.me/auSX/BLITZ
