Sal Stewart Joins Rare Company With NL Rookie of the Year Finalist Nod

Sal Stewart’s rookie season has already placed him alongside one of the most important names in Cincinnati Reds history. Now, he has a chance to add another distinction to that résumé.

Stewart was named Monday as one of three finalists for the National League Rookie of the Year Award after becoming the first Reds rookie to hit at least 30 home runs and drive in 100 runs in the same season. The last Cincinnati player to win the award was Jonathan India in 2021, but Stewart’s offensive production gives the franchise a strong chance to add another winner.

Stewart joined Hall of Famer Frank Robinson as the only Reds rookies to reach 30 home runs. Robinson hit 38 in 1956, the same year he won Rookie of the Year. Stewart finished his first full major league season with 32 homers and a franchise rookie-record 112 RBIs.

That combination carries some historical weight beyond Cincinnati. Only 14 major league rookies have finished a season with at least 30 home runs and 100 RBIs. All nine previous recipients of the award, since it was established in 1947, went on to win Rookie of the Year.

Stewart’s numbers make a compelling case, particularly after he played all 162 games and led National League rookies in home runs, RBIs, extra-base hits and total bases. His 164 hits also tied for second among NL rookies, while his 87 runs ranked second.

Still, the voting presents a more complicated picture than those totals might suggest.

Carson Benge of the New York Mets finished with a .282 batting average, 20 home runs and 65 RBIs across 156 games. SB Nation's Wick Terrell argued that Benge has a strong case because of his overall offensive production and outfield defense. Benge also posted a 118 OPS+, narrowly ahead of Stewart’s mark of 117.

St. Louis Cardinals infielder JJ Wetherholt presents a different challenge. His .242 average and 17 home runs fall short of Stewart’s production, but his defensive metrics could appeal to voters weighing overall value. MLB.com's Mark Sheldon noted that Wetherholt ranked in the 100th percentile in both outs above average and Statcast’s fielding run value.

The distinction matters because Stewart’s primary position at first base contributed to a lower Baseball Reference WAR total than either finalist. Wetherholt finished at 4.5 WAR and Benge at 4.3, compared with Stewart’s 1.8.

The winner will be announced Nov. 9 on MLB Network. Stewart’s power numbers have put him in position to follow Robinson into the Reds’ record books, though the final vote will determine whether that historic season earns him the award to match.