MLB executives have seemingly overlooked the impressive performance of Cincinnati Reds rookie, Sal Stewart, in a recent poll predicting the 2026 AL and NL Rookie of the Year winners. Despite his outstanding debut in 2025, Stewart received a mere 4.7% of the votes, tied with Philadelphia Phillies prospect Justin Crawford. This result has sparked controversy and raised questions about the perception of Stewart's talent among MLB experts.
Stewart's performance in 2025 was nothing short of remarkable. He dominated in both Double-A and Triple-A, showcasing his power-hitting abilities. In his brief debut with the Reds, Stewart played 18 games, recording 14 base hits, including six extra-base hits. His batting statistics were impressive, with a .255 average, .293 on-base percentage, .545 slugging percentage, and a 121 OPS+. These numbers are certainly not ordinary, and they indicate that the power surge observed by fans in 2025 was indeed genuine.
The poll's outcome has left many Reds fans perplexed, as they witnessed Stewart's talent firsthand. His hard work and dedication during the offseason have been evident, and he is now poised to make a significant impact in 2026. The low vote percentage for Stewart may have been influenced by the fact that his position is still undefined, and Terry Francona has yet to find a consistent spot for him in the lineup. However, this may just be the fuel Stewart needs to prove his worth and silence any remaining doubts.
The poll's results have sparked a debate among fans and experts alike. Some argue that Stewart's performance in 2025 was exceptional and deserved more recognition. Others question the criteria used in the poll and suggest that Stewart's potential may have been underestimated. This controversy invites discussion and encourages readers to share their thoughts in the comments, either in agreement or disagreement with the poll's findings.
