JJ Wetherholt Activated: NL Rookie of the Year Race Heats Up

The 2026 Major League Baseball regular season is nearing its conclusion, and the race for the National League Rookie of the Year is becoming more competitive. The St. Louis Cardinals have activated second baseman JJ Wetherholt from the injured list, following a two-week recovery from right wrist tendinitis.

As the season winds down, Sal Stewart leads the Rookie of the Year candidates with impressive stats, including 31 home runs and 107 RBI. Despite his power numbers, Stewart's overall value is questioned due to a lower WAR of 2.2. Meanwhile, Wetherholt has played 130 games, posting a .242 batting average with 14 home runs and a WAR of 4.7, primarily due to his strong defense and on-base skills.

The ongoing debate among voters centers on the significance of traditional statistics like RBI versus advanced metrics such as WAR. While Stewart's home run and RBI totals position him as a frontrunner, Wetherholt's all-around contributions keep him in the conversation as the season approaches its final days.