“The Worst I’ve Seen”: Analyst Slams Voting Behind Carson Benge’s NL Rookie of the Year Finish

MLB analyst Ryan Garcia strongly criticized the NL Rookie of the Year voting results after Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart secured the award with 20 first-place votes. Mets rookie outfielder Carson Benge finished second with 107 points and seven first-place votes, while Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt placed third with 99 points despite receiving more second-place votes than Benge.

Garcia labeled the voting distribution among the worst in the past decade, arguing Benge's comprehensive play deserved more support. Benge achieved the first 20-20 rookie season in Mets history with 20 home runs, 22 steals, and a .282 batting average, alongside elite defense in right field, while Stewart's winning profile was driven by leading all NL rookies with 32 homers and 112 RBIs.