Sal Stewart gets picked apart while Munetaka Murakami gets praised (and Reds fans know why)

Chicago White Sox rookie first baseman Munetaka Murakami has become the darling of the MLB Postseason. His postgame clubhouse celebrations, interactions with teammates, and on-field production have members of the baseball media singing his praises.

The same cannot be said of Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart, who spent the second-half of his rookie season fending off numerous detractors. His outstanding surge in August and JJ Wetherholt's placement on the injured list finally began to swing the pendulum Stewart's direction.

A downturn in production during the month of September have led some to claim that New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge should win NL Rookie of the Year. Stewart's still the odds-on favorite to win the award, but he's faced obstacles at every single turn.

A side-by-side comparison of Murakami and Stewart reveals just how similar these two outstanding sluggers were during their first year in the big leagues.

A defensive comparison is eerily similar as well. The White Sox first baseman was worth -4 DRS and -1 OAA, while the Reds rookie posted -2 DRS and -2 OAA. Yet, despite all the similarities, Stewart was picked apart by the media and the online trolls, with many critics turning to their favorite (albeit severely flawed) stat, Wins Above Replacement; one that essentially punishes Stewart for the position he plays — or at the very least elevates those who play more premium positions.

So why is Murakami the media's new golden boy while Stewart has to continue to scrape and claw for respect? The reason is actually pretty simple, and it has nothing to do with Stewart himself.

Reds lack of team success keeps Sal Stewart out of the spotlight

The Reds' lack of team success in 2026 greatly impacted the media's coverage of Cincinnati this past season. After making some headway in 2025 and landing a spot in the postseason, most so-called experts and pundits expected the Reds to take the next step this past season. And can you blame them?

In addition to Stewart — who should win NL Rookie of the Year going away despite what some in the media would have you believe — the Reds roster featured Elly De La Cruz and Chase Burns. In that trio alone, you have the likely Rookie of the Year award winner and two players who should receive down-ballots votes for NL MVP and NL Cy Young.

But alas, the Reds finished in the bottom of the NL Central thanks in large part to poor roster construction, injuries up and down the lineup, and lack of production from their role players.

The White Sox, on the other hand, are in the midst of a playoff run that could result in a trip to the American League Championship Series next week. An increased focus on Murakami and the White Sox has bolstered their image in the eyes of the media and made them the Cinderella story in this year's postseason.

Reds fans would love to know what that's like, but until the organization puts a winning product on the field, players like Stewart will have to continue to fight for respect among the media, pundits, and keyboard cowboys online.

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