Here’s a bold statement: Major League Baseball executives might be sleeping on one of the most exciting young talents in the game. Cincinnati Reds fans are scratching their heads after a recent MLB.com poll asked top execs to predict the 2026 AL and NL Rookie of the Year winners—and Reds slugger Sal Stewart barely registered a blip on their radar. But here’s where it gets controversial: Did these execs simply forget what Stewart showcased during his brief but electrifying debut in 2025? Let’s dive in.
The MLB offseason has been a slow burn, thanks to the holidays and the ever-present Scott Boras, but even in this lull, executives and analysts love to share their hot takes—especially when they can do so anonymously. MLB.com recently surveyed front-office leaders across the league, posing a straightforward question: Who will take home the Rookie of the Year honors in 2026? The responses were telling, but not necessarily in the way Reds fans hoped.
In the American League, the race appears to be a two-horse battle between Detroit Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle and Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage. But the National League? That’s where things get interesting. St. Louis Cardinals infielder JJ Wetherholt, New York Mets starter Nolan McLean, and Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop prospect Konnor Griffin all garnered significant attention, with Wetherholt leading the pack at 30.2% of the vote. Yet, this is the part most people miss: Sal Stewart, the Reds’ powerhouse rookie, received just 4.7% of the vote—tied with Philadelphia Phillies prospect Justin Crawford and trailing behind Pirates’ Bubba Chandler.
Stewart’s 2025 debut was anything but ordinary. After relentless calls from Reds fans to promote their top prospect, the organization finally gave in, calling him up for the final month of the season. And did he deliver? Absolutely. In just 18 games, Stewart racked up 14 hits, including six for extra bases, slashing .255/.293/.545 with a 121 OPS+ and a 124 wRC+. These aren’t just numbers—they’re a statement. While slightly below his minor league stats, they confirm what fans already knew: Stewart’s power surge is real.
To put it in perspective, in 2024, Stewart dominated High-A Dayton with a .454 slugging percentage and a 143 wRC+. Last season, across 118 minor league games, he slugged a combined .524 with a 152 wRC+. These aren’t fluke numbers; they’re the mark of a player who’s ready to make waves. Most experts predict Stewart will start the 2026 season with the Reds, and while his position remains undefined, manager Terry Francona will undoubtedly find a way to keep his bat in the lineup.
But here’s the real question: Are MLB execs underestimating Stewart because of his limited major league experience, or is there something more at play? Reds fans certainly think their guy is being overlooked, and Stewart’s offseason dedication suggests he’s ready to prove the doubters wrong. Could this poll be the latest fuel for his fire? Only time will tell.
And this is where we turn to you: Do you think Sal Stewart has what it takes to challenge for the NL Rookie of the Year in 2026? Or are the execs right to focus on other prospects? Let’s spark a debate—drop your thoughts in the comments below!
