Sal Stewart has spent this season making a strong case that he belongs near the top of any rookie conversation. The Cincinnati Reds infielder has been a major part of the lineup, and his production has been impossible to ignore: 89 RBIs, which puts him second in the league behind Washington Nationals star CJ Abrams and ahead of Houston Astros superstar Yordan Alvarez.
That’s why CBS Sports’ Dayn Perry placing Stewart at No. 4 in his rookie rankings stands out. Perry slotted Detroit Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle, Cleveland Guardians pitcher Parker Messick, and St. Louis Cardinals infielder JJ Wetherholt ahead of him.
“The former first-rounder has done nothing but hit as a pro, and that includes his brief stint in the majors last season,” Perry wrote. “This year, with rookie eligibility still intact, Stewart has continued hitting.
Stewart, at this writing, has a line of .256/.332/.472 with 25 home runs and 23 doubles. He's been the Reds' primary first baseman this season, but he's also seen time at second base and third -- flexibility that adds to his overall value.”
Stewart’s numbers make the case for a much bigger spot. He’s been good enough to enter the National League Rookie of the Year discussion, and his overall rookie season has been one of the bright spots in a class that has been strong across the board.
McGonigle’s No. 1 ranking is easy to understand. Perry views the Tigers standout as the most complete rookie in the group, and that kind of all-around impact is enough to put him atop the American League Rookie of the Year race. Messick is a tougher comparison for Stewart because the two players fill completely different roles.
The real debate comes with Wetherholt, who is ranked ahead of Stewart because of his defense at second base. Defense matters, but Stewart’s offensive edge is massive.
He has 10 more home runs, 44 more RBI, nine more hits, and 11 more doubles than Wetherholt. Stewart also holds the advantage in batting average by 14 points, slugging percentage by 100 points, and OPS by 86 points, and his wRC+ is higher as well.
That leaves one big question hanging over the ranking: does Wetherholt’s glove give him enough of an edge to top Stewart for the NL Rookie of the Year award? Only time will tell.
In Other News...
Reds Get A Timely Emilio Pagn Update After Late Absence
The Reds got a useful bit of reassurance on Emilio Pagn after his late absence, with the reliever sidelined by hand soreness but evaluated and cleared to continue. Terry Francona said the club is going to keep an eye on him, which matters for a bullpen that can ill afford to lose another late-inning option, even briefly.
Sal Stewarts return to the lineup also gives Cincinnati another reason to feel better about the day, especially after the rookie launched his 26th homer and stayed in the mix for the National League Rookie of the Year Award. For the Reds, the immediate concern is making sure Pagns hand issue doesnt linger, because even a small setback can change how Francona manages the back end of a game. [Read more 🡒]
Hunter Greenes Setback Leaves Reds Clinging To One Hope
Hunter Greenes latest elbow setback is the kind of development the Reds have spent years trying to avoid, but it has now become part of the conversation around one of the sports most electric young arms. Greene already had Tommy John surgery in 2019, and after going through another elbow procedure in 2024, his current season is over and the path back likely stretches well into next year, leaving Cincinnati to once again recalibrate around his absence.
The encouraging part for the Reds is that this is not uncharted territory, even if it is still a discouraging one. Pitchers such as Jacob deGrom and Shane McClanahan have made successful returns after multiple Tommy John surgeries, and teammate Tejay Antone has offered another reminder that a comeback can happen more than once. For Cincinnati, that is the sliver of hope left with Greene, even as the broader picture remains tied to patience, uncertainty and a long rehab ahead. [Read more 🡒]
Noelvi Martes Vanishing Role Puts His Reds Future In Doubt
Noelvi Martes place in the Reds everyday picture has continued to shrink, and the latest stretch has only made the situation feel more precarious. He has now been out of Cincinnatis starting lineup for four straight games, a notable turn for a player the club tried to reframe by moving him from third base to right field in 2025. Instead, Marte has struggled to find traction at the plate, both over his last 15 games and across the season as a whole, leaving the coaching staff with fewer reasons to keep forcing him into the mix.
Hctor Rodrguezs arrival has only added to the pressure on Martes role, and the competition for playing time has turned unforgiving. For a Reds team that once seemed to have a clear plan for Martes development, the uncertainty now goes well beyond a temporary slump. His current slide has opened up a much bigger question about where he fits in Cincinnatis long-term plans, and whether the front office will even carry him into another offseason. [Read more 🡒]