Sal Stewart has officially cemented his status as the National League’s top rookie, claiming the 2025 Rookie of the Year award with a dominant display of raw power. The Cincinnati Reds first baseman secured the honor with 170 total points, including 20 first-place votes, to outpace Cardinals second baseman J.J. Wetherholt and Mets right fielder Carson Benge. Stewart’s victory marks a significant shift in the award’s narrative, prioritizing traditional offensive metrics over advanced defensive or overall impact statistics in a tightly contested race.
Reds slugger edges Cardinals and Mets with power surge despite lower bWAR
The result sparked immediate debate among analysts, particularly regarding the Milwaukee Brewers’ exclusion from the podium. Despite a historic title run fueled by Logan Henderson, Cooper Pratt, and Luis Lara, none of the three made the final cut. Henderson, in particular, drew criticism for his omission after posting 3.3 bWAR—1.3 more than Stewart—and maintaining a remarkable pitching streak where he never allowed more than three runs in a start. The right-hander did collect minor ballot recognition, including one second-place and one third-place vote, but his overall statistical profile failed to resonate with the voting body compared to Stewart’s eye-popping numbers.
Stewart’s case for the award rests squarely on his offensive production, finishing eighth in the league with 32 home runs and second with 112 RBIs. While his 2.0 bWAR trails Henderson’s mark, his ability to drive in runs and provide consistent power made him the clear favorite for the “old-school” voter. Benge finished second with 107 points, offering a well-rounded but statistically less explosive profile. The award underscores a persistent tension in baseball evaluation, where tangible power numbers often outweigh nuanced contributions in the Rookie of the Year voting process.
Source: Yahoo Sports
