JJ Wetherholt And Sal Stewart Are Clear Front-Runners For MLB NL Rookie Of The Year

TWSN writer and editor currently based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and originally from Upstate New York. Covering the NFL, NFL Draft, NBA, MLB, and Combat Sports

The 2026 MLB season is only just getting started, but two National League rookies are already standing out as early Rookie of the Year front-runners: St. Louis Cardinals infielder JJ Wetherholt and Cincinnati Reds infielder/first baseman Sal Stewart.

Both players entered the year with serious prospect pedigree, clear paths to playing time, and growing expectations.

With the 2026 season underway, Wetherholt and Stewart have exceeded those expectations so far, and are starting to run away as the front-runners for the MLB NL Rookie of the Year Award.

TWSN Key Facts

Player: JJ Wetherholt
Team: St. Louis Cardinals
Position: Second Base
Player: Sal Stewart
Team: Cincinnati Reds
Position: First Base / Third Base

Why JJ Wetherholt is a Front-Runner For MLB NL ROTY

Wetherholt checked almost every box you want to see from an early Rookie of the Year candidate before the season even started. He came into 2026 as one of baseball’s premier prospects, ranked fifth overall by MLB Pipeline, and earned a starting job with St. Louis after an impressive rise through the minors.

He won the Cardinals’ leadoff and second-base jobs over his performance in spring, which immediately gave him one of the biggest advantages in any rookie race: opportunity.

That opportunity matters because Wetherholt’s offensive profile is tailor-made for fast success. Pipeline gives him a 65-grade hit tool and a 55-grade power tool. His production in the minors backed this up as he finished 2025 with a .306/.421/.510 slash line, showing the advanced bat-to-ball ability and on-base skill that could translate right away.

It has done just that, as he has already started making an impression in the majors as well. Wetherholt homered in his first MLB game and then followed it up with a walk-off hit in just his second career game. Over both games so far, he has a .333/.300/.667 slash line with one home run and four RBIs.

That kind of immediate impact naturally pushes a player to the front of the rookie spotlight.

Why Sal Stewart is Also in the MLB NL ROTY Conversation

Stewart entered 2026 as Cincinnati’s top prospect and already had a brief MLB sample from last season, when he hit five home runs in only 55 at-bats. That kind of instant power flashed, and stood out to the Reds instantly.

When he was rising through the minors, his advanced approach and versatility to play both corner infield spots stood out. Now that he is the everyday option for the Reds, he is further showing his skills and has proven why he was deserving of the opportunity.

Over two games to start the season so far, Stewart has a .625/.667/1.250 slash line with one home run and two RBIs. His ability to create runs for himself, be precise at the plate, and create scoring opportunities for his teammates will be a driving factor in the Reds’ success this season. It will also lead to Stewart continuing to stay with Wetherholt in the Rookie of the Year race.

Outlook for the Rest of the 2026 Season

It is still extremely early, and plenty can change over a 162-game season. Other rookies like Nolan McLean and Konnor Griffin are also very much in the mix. Still, when looking at who has the combination of talent, role, and made the impact early to gain the lead, it is JJ Wetherholt and Sal Stewart.

If things keep trending this way, the National League Rookie of the Year race will continue to revolve around these two for the remainder of the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the early front-runners for the 2026 NL Rookie of the Year Award?

JJ Wetherholt of the St. Louis Cardinals and Sal Stewart of the Cincinnati Reds are the early front-runners for the award.

Why is JJ Wetherholt considered a Rookie of the Year front-runner?

Wetherholt earned an everyday role with the Cardinals, entered the season as one of baseball’s top prospects, and made an immediate impact with a home run in his MLB debut and a walk-off hit in his second game.

Why is Sal Stewart in the NL Rookie of the Year conversation?

Stewart has carried over his offensive momentum from last season and started 2026 with a huge opening stretch, showing strong power, plate discipline, and run-producing ability for Cincinnati.

JJ Wetherholt And Sal Stewart Are Clear Front-Runners For MLB NL Rookie Of The Year

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