Best general of the Civil War. Huge effect on the enemy, very little loss within his own forces. He knew his business.
I would think more would be inclined to ascribe the war criminal appellation to General Grant than General Sherman.
Lee and Jackson were both better generals. Not too many folks study Sherman’s campaign on Atlanta with an eye towards duplicating and emulating his thinking and behavior on the battlefield.
Sherman let his men plunder rape and pillage.