Skip to main content
Blog Red Machine
FanSided

Reds star Sal Stewart is somehow still fighting for Rookie of the Year respect

Can we end the silly debates already?
ByStephen Parello
Share on FacebookShare on XShare on Reddit
Google Discover
Aug 22, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart (27) prepares to bat against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images
Aug 22, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart (27) prepares to bat against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Sal Stewart has made a lot of MLB decision-makers look silly with how their preseason NL Rookie of the Year picks have played out, but it doesn't stop the media machine from doubting the Cincinnati Reds' up-and-coming star.

The preseason favorite and Stewart's chief competition throughout the season has been the St. Louis Cardinals' second baseman, JJ Wetherholt. While Wetherholt may be nearing a return from the IL, the timing of his injury effectively ended his candidacy.

But don't worry, the pundits have a new favorite to oppose Stewart: New York Mets' starting pitcher Nolan McLean.

McLean has no doubt had a good season, and is a promising young starter, but to call him one of the best pitchers in the league, rookie or otherwise, as New York outlet SNY did, is homerism at its finest.

McLean ranks 15th among qualified big league starters with a 3.06 ERA, but his 3.57 FIP is just over a half run higher, and his 9.7% walk rate is the eighth-highest in baseball. For a pitcher to win the award, they have to be truly dominant. McLean might get there one day, but as of now, he's not there yet.

Stewart isn't in the MVP discussion yet, either, but the difference is that his rookie season is among the best in MLB history for hitters, and he has been the best run producer in the league this year, a fact made even more impressive given the offensive ineptitude he's surrounded by.

Propping up Nolan McLean as Rookie of the Year contender is just another way to disrespect Reds' star Sal Stewart

Let's call a spade a spade. There are folks who don't like the idea of giving Stewart the award. They look at first basemen as lumbering sluggers with one-dimensional skill sets who are therefore undeserving of any sort of recognition.

There's a vocal contingent that will dismiss RBIs outright. While it's true that we've moved away from them as a premier stat, the context behind Stewart's RBI performance matters.

The reason why the stat is no longer valued is that the baseball-watching public realized that high RBI totals can largely be a product of the lineup a player is a part of. Come up more often than most with ducks on the pond, and you're likely to drive more in than the Average Joe.

That's true, but when you look at Stewart, it's clear that this kid is special and something else is going on. Cincinnati ranks 27th in MLB with a .309 on-base percentage. Therefore, Stewart isn't coming up with tons of runners on base all of the time. Instead, he's ridiculously effective at driving guys in when he gets the opportunity.

Stewart hits .313 with runners in scoring position, and these aren't just soft singles. His .597 slugging percentage in such situations means that when he comes up, the merry-go-round really starts moving, that is, if the ball isn't flying over the wall.

At the end of the day, baseball is a game of runs. You have to score more than your opponent to win. Therefore, the players who produce more runs (or prevent more runs) are better than the ones who don't perform as well in these areas. When it comes down to brass tacks, no rookie is better than Stewart in this regard, and that's why he should win the award. Easily, I might add.

Add us as a preferred source on Google