Sal Stewart Leads NL Rookie of the Year Race for Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart is a leading candidate for the National League Rookie of the Year award. Through July he is batting .255 with a .334 on‑base percentage and a .477 slugging line, has hit 23 home runs and driven in 84 runs, the most RBIs by an NL rookie since 1920. His production places him ahead of St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt, who is hitting .259 with 15 homers, 40 RBIs and a higher defensive WAR (4.2 versus Stewart's 1.9). DraftKings odds favor Wetherholt at -165, while Stewart is listed at +280.

Baseball America ranked Stewart 14th among all MLB rookies, a placement that sparked debate given his offensive output compared with higher‑ranked peers. Analysts note Stewart’s strong rebound potential and his role in the Reds' offensive surge, while Wetherholt’s defensive prowess and his team’s better win‑loss record are cited as factors supporting his lead in the voting race.