Sal Stewart's September slump created Rookie of the Year debate the Reds didn't need

Reds first baseman Sal Stewart had a strong rookie season with 32 home runs, 111 RBIs, and a 112 wRC+, positioning him as the favorite for NL Rookie of the Year. However, his September slump—hitting just .247 with a 56 wRC+ and one home run—reopened the race against competitors like Carson Benge, JJ Wetherholt, and Nolan McLean. Benge particularly gained ground with a 147 wRC+ in September, potentially swaying voters toward recency bias. If Stewart loses the award due to his late-season decline, the Reds would miss out on an additional draft pick through the Prospect Promotion Incentive, which requires the Rookie of the Year winner rather than just a finalist.

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