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MLB Fans Question Sal Stewart’s NL Rookie of the Year Award

Sal Stewart, the Cincinnati Reds’ first baseman, played all 162 games and drove in 112 runs, posting a 2.0 WAR. Though he surpassed Carson Benge (65 RBIs) in runs scored, the New York Mets outfielder posted more than double Stewart’s…

Published: Tuesday, 10 November 2026 at 10:45 AM
MLB Fans Question Sal Stewart’s NL Rookie of the Year Award
Key Things to Know
  • MLB fans questioned Sal Stewart's NL Rookie of the Year win over rivals who posted significantly higher WAR totals.
  • Stewart earned 20 of 30 first-place votes after hitting 32 homers and driving in 112 runs for Cincinnati.
  • New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge finished second in voting with seven first-place votes and 4.3 WAR.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart won the National League Rookie of the Year award after receiving 20 of 30 first-place votes and 170 points. Stewart became the first rookie in Reds history to hit 30 home runs and record 100 RBIs in a single season, finishing with 32 homers and 112 RBIs across all 162 games. However, baseball fans questioned the voting outcome due to his 2.0 WAR compared to other top candidates.

New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge finished in second place with 107 points and seven first-place votes, posting a 4.3 WAR alongside 20 homers and 22 stolen bases. St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt recorded 4.5 bWAR, prompting debates over whether voters favored traditional power statistics over comprehensive advanced metrics. By virtue of Stewart's victory, the Reds earned an additional draft pick in the 2027 MLB draft under the Prospect Promotion Incentive.

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