No award decision sparked as much intrigue and debate as this year's National League Rookie of the Year race. New York Mets fans won't be happy with the outcome.

MLB named Sal Stewart the NL Rookie of the Year winner on Monday night. The Cincinnati Reds first baseman beat out Mets outfielder Carson Benge and St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt for the honor.

Following the announcement, the Mets posted a series of photos from Benge's first season with a simple message toward their rising star.

"We love Carson Benge," the Mets wrote with orange and blue heart emojis.

The Rookie of the Year choice serves as a riveting Rorschach test for player analysis. Stewart received 20 of 30 first-place votes with 32 home runs and 112 RBIs, MLB's third-most behind Alec Burleson and Pete Alonso, in 700 plate appearances.

"Envisioned it. Earned it," the Reds declared on social media. "Sal Stewart is your National League Rookie of the Year!"

However, some critics may disagree about Stewart earning it. After all, eight NL rookies posted a higher fWAR than Stewart's 2.0.

Wetherholt topped the WAR leaderboard at 4.6 because of his spectacular defense, but a late offensive swoon and trip to the injured list cost him first-place votes. Benge trailed close behind at 4.3 with arguably the most balanced portfolio of the candidates.

Despite a slow start to the season, Benge batted .282 with 20 home runs and 22 stolen bases. While Stewart had more impressive surface numbers, Benge registered a 118 OPS+ to Stewart's 117, playing in a less hitter-friendly home ballpark.

Stewart submitted -2 Defensive Runs Saved at first base, but Benge was also a Gold Glove finalist with six DRS and 10 assists in right field.

Benge wasn't the only Mets neophyte to appear on the NL Rookie of the Year ballot. Nolan McLean finished fourth after posting a 3.16 ERA in 31 starts, and A.J. Ewing received one fifth-place vote with the same fWAR as Stewart in 120 games.