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MLB midseason awards: Expert picks for MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, more at 2026 halfway point
Midseason view
CBS Sports' assessment is notable because it comes from a broader awards preview, not just an odds report.
That gives McGonigle support from both predictive markets and editorial forecasting, which strengthens the impression that he is the frontrunner.
Chasing pack
The runner-up mention shows that other candidates are still in the conversation, but they are framed as chasing the pace-setter.
That dynamic matters because it suggests the race has had a clear leader for some time, even if the final vote is still pending.
Late pressure
Taken together with the newer polling and odds updates, this story helps explain why the AL rookie race is trending toward one player.
The remaining uncertainty is whether anyone can create enough late momentum to change the outcome before awards voting closes.