Sal Stewart's biggest Rookie of the Year criticism just lost even more steam

Cincinnati Reds rookie Sal Stewart was not among the finalist for the Rawling's Gold Glove award at first base. Though Stewart wasn't a poor defender at the cold corner this year, his -2 DRS and -2 OAA didn't hold a candle to this year's winner, Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (11 DRS and 11 OAA).

Much has been made about Stewart's glove-work this past season, with a number of opposing fanbases citing his defensive shortcomings as a reason why he shouldn't win the 2026 NL Rookie of the Year award.

And while St. Louis Cardinals infielder JJ Wetherholt and New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge, certainly hold an edge over Stewart in that area, their defensive exploits were not enough to take home the ultimate prize.

Both Wetherholt and Benge were finalists for the Gold Glove, but neither rookie won. Wetherholt was bested by Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang in somewhat of a mild upset, and despite his best efforts, Benge came in behind Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll.

Carroll is arguably one of the best defensive outfielders in the sport, so it was hardly surprising that he took home the award. He led all right fielders with 10 OAA and was worth 12 DRS. Wetherholt coming in behind Turang, however, was quite a shock — especially to Cardinals fans.

Sal Stewart deserves the NL Rookie of the Year regardless of his defense

But crying about these postseason award is nothing new for Cardinals fans. The Cincinnati faithful had to listen to arguments ad nauseam over the summer about why Wetherholt deserved the NL Rookie of the Year award over Stewart — often citing defense and WAR (which is a product of the position he plays) — as the main reasons why the St. Louis rookie was more a worthy selection.

It would seem, however, that perhaps defense isn't as valuable as Cardinals fans might think. We're certainly not trying to take away from the fact that Wetherholt had a tremendous rookie season, but when it comes to postseason awards, the voters have almost always favored a player who puts up the superior offensive statistics.

Despite Stewart's September slump, he still hit .265/.335/.476 with 32 home runs, 112 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and a 112 wRC+. Wetherholt endured a second-half slump of his own, and posted a .242/.339/.365 slash line with 17 homers, 51 RBI, 14 steals, and a 101 wRC+.

Benge has a plausible argument, and may have already usurped Wetherholt as the runner-up this year. But when the NL Rookie of the Year award is announced next week, Reds fans fully expect to hear Stewart's name called.

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