Reds star Sal Stewart is somehow still fighting for Rookie of the Year respect

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart continues to face skepticism for Rookie of the Year despite a historically strong rookie season, as media outlets and analysts shift their support to New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean. McLean has posted a 3.06 ERA and ranks 15th among qualified starters, but his 3.57 FIP and 9.7% walk rate suggest he hasn't reached the dominance typically required for the award. Stewart has been baseball's best run producer this season with a .313 average and .597 slugging percentage with runners in scoring position, an especially impressive feat given that the Reds rank 27th in on-base percentage, meaning he's not benefiting from frequent scoring opportunities. Some voters appear reluctant to recognize Stewart due to bias against first basemen and outdated dismissal of RBIs as a meaningful stat.

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