Cincinnati Reds rookie Sal Stewart has emerged as a compelling candidate for the National League Rookie of the Year award, sparking debate over the value of traditional statistics versus advanced metrics in evaluating player performance. At 22 years old, Stewart leads Major League Baseball with 31 home runs and 107 runs batted in (RBI), milestones that place him among an elite group of rookies historically.

Despite his impressive counting numbers, Stewart’s wins above replacement (WAR) stands at 2.6, lower than several other leading contenders. This figure, a key metric in modern baseball analytics, has fueled discussion about how to weigh traditional statistics such as RBI, which many analysts consider context-dependent and less predictive. WAR leaders in the rookie race include the St. Louis Cardinals’ J.J. Wetherholt, who boasts a 4.4 WAR largely due to his exceptional defensive performance, and New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge, who has a 3.1 WAR and a higher on-base plus slugging percentage than Stewart, though Benge benefits from playing at Coors Field, a hitter-friendly ballpark.

Former Reds MVP Joey Votto, known for his analytical approach during his career, acknowledged Stewart’s offensive production and impact on a struggling team, noting the narrative surrounding Stewart’s candidacy. “He’s hit so many home runs and driven in so many runs on a not-strong team that it’s almost as if we’d be OK collectively for him to be the exception to the rule,” Votto said. While Votto recognizes the influence of advanced metrics in award voting, he praised Stewart’s adaptability, highlighting how the rookie has played multiple defensive positions—including 94 starts at first base, a role he had little experience with before the season.

Stewart’s ability to drive in runs remains notable, even as analysts debate the significance of RBI. Former players such as A.J. Pierzynski and Justin Turner defended the importance of run production, emphasizing the difficulty of delivering timely hits. Opposing viewpoints note that RBI totals depend heavily on teammates reaching base, and Stewart has had more plate appearances with runners on than many of his peers.

The Reds’ offensive environment is among the least productive in the majors, with a team on-base percentage of .308 through Wednesday, underscoring Stewart’s role in capitalizing on limited opportunities. Manager Terry Francona’s decision to consistently slot Stewart in prominent batting order positions—including cleanup on Opening Day—reflects significant trust in the rookie’s abilities.

While Wetherholt’s injury has dampened his offensive contributions and opened the field to other candidates, Stewart’s milestone of leading the majors in RBI as a rookie places him in rare company alongside Ted Williams and Walt Dropo, the only other rookies to lead MLB in this category since 1920. With the final month of the season underway, the Rookie of the Year race remains open, but Stewart’s blend of power, run production, and defensive versatility make him a standout figure in the conversation.