Benge Outperforms Stewart on Key Metrics but Falls Short for NL Rookie Honor
Cincinnati’s Sal Stewart secured the award despite trailing the Mets outfielder in hits, stolen bases, and overall value.
By Natalia Costa ·
The National League Rookie of the Year award went to Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart, a result that prioritized raw power over comprehensive statistical production. Stewart claimed the honor on Monday night with 20 of the 30 available first-place votes and 170 total points. Carson Benge of the New York Mets finished second, accumulating seven first-place votes and 107 points, though two voters placed him as low as fifth in the rankings.
Stewart’s selection reflects a continued preference among Baseball Writers’ Association of America members for traditional home run and RBI totals. The 22-year-old played in all 162 games, hitting 32 home runs and driving in 112 runs. These power numbers served as the primary differentiators in a race where Benge held advantages in most other offensive categories.
Benge, a 23-year-old outfielder who debuted on Opening Day, outperformed Stewart in hits with 168 to 164. He also led in stolen bases with 22 to 15, batting average with .282 to .263, and on-base percentage with .346 to .330. Benge’s OPS+ of 118 slightly edged Stewart’s 117, indicating comparable run production efficiency despite the disparity in home runs.
The gap in defensive metrics further widened the statistical divide between the two players. Stewart posted a Fielding Run Value of minus-4, ranking in the 21st percentile. His range and first-base receiving were both rated at minus-2, placing them in the 30th and 17th percentiles respectively. Benge countered with a Fielding Run Value of 8, ranking in the 85th percentile. His arm strength, measured at 96.6 mph, placed him in the 99th percentile, and he led all National League right fielders with 10 outfield assists.
When offensive and defensive contributions are combined, Benge’s Wins Above Replacement figure was more than double that of Stewart. Benge recorded a WAR of 4.3, while Stewart finished with 2.0. Benge’s season included a .828 OPS over his final 126 games, making him the first Mets rookie to record a 20/20 season in hits and stolen bases.
The voting outcome suggests that power metrics continue to outweigh all-around value in rookie award deliberations. Stewart’s consistent presence in every game and his high RBI total were the deciding factors for the majority of voters. Benge’s strong finish to the season did not alter the final tally, leaving the award with the player who led in home runs and runs batted in.
The results were announced by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, which manages the voting process for the award. Stewart’s 170 points secured his victory over Benge’s 107. The decision stands as a reflection of current voting trends that favor home run production in the National League.
