Carson Benge or Sal Stewart? NY Mets and Reds rookies have been here before

Tim Boyle of Rising Apple argues that the National League Rookie of the Year race comes down to New York Mets rookie Carson Benge and Cincinnati Reds rookie Sal Stewart. Boyle describes Benge as the better all-around player, while highlighting Stewart's traditional offensive campaign featuring 32 home runs, 111 RBIs, and a .263 batting average. Neither team reached the postseason to help separate the candidates.

The debate draws historical parallels to the 1968 NL Rookie of the Year race between Reds catcher Johnny Bench and Mets pitcher Jerry Koosman. Bench narrowly edged Koosman by one vote during that historic pitching-heavy season, despite Koosman's 19-12 record, 2.08 ERA, and superior bWAR. Boyle asserts that whichever modern candidate finishes second will have a legitimate case for being snubbed.