Parker Messick Named Finalist for Two AL Awards
Cleveland Guardians rookie Parker Messick was named a finalist for the American League Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year on November 2, 2026.
Parker Messick’s strong first season in Cleveland has put him among the finalists for two of baseball’s top American League honors. The Guardians left-hander is in contention for both the Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year.
Messick, 25, finished the regular season with a 2.56 ERA, a 1.063 WHIP and 193 strikeouts across a 12-9 record. His 6.3 bWAR ranked among the strongest marks of his season. He allowed four runs or more in only three starts and gave up no more than one run in 18 appearances. He was also one of three Guardians selected as an All-Star.
His Rookie of the Year competition includes Boston pitcher Payton Tolle and Detroit infielder Kevin McGonigle. Tolle recorded a 3.03 ERA and 171 strikeouts, while McGonigle hit .278 with an .806 OPS, 18 home runs and 95 walks.
For the Cy Young, Messick is up against Yankees starter Cam Schlittler and Toronto’s Dylan Cease. Schlittler posted a 1.95 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in 33 starts; Cease had a 2.40 ERA and threw a complete-game shutout. Messick also pitched in four postseason games for Cleveland, totaling 13.2 innings with a 3.95 ERA and 17 strikeouts. The award finalists now give him a chance to add further recognition to his rookie campaign.