The Cincinnati Reds may have endured a disappointing 2026 season, but one of their youngest players accomplished something that puts him alongside some of baseball’s biggest names.
Sal Stewart finished his rookie campaign with 32 home runs and 112 RBI, becoming just the 14th rookie in American League or National League history to reach 30 home runs and 100 RBI in the same season.
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And there’s one historical statistic that makes Stewart’s National League Rookie of the Year candidacy particularly compelling.
According to MLB’s October 30 analysis of Stewart’s award chances, every previous rookie to reach those milestones since the Rookie of the Year Award began in 1947 has won the honor.
Nine players. Nine Rookie of the Year winners.
Stewart now has an opportunity to make it 10 for 10.
Sal Stewart’s 2026 Rookie Statistics
Stewart’s first full Major League season was one of the most productive rookie campaigns in Cincinnati Reds history.
- Games played: 162
- Batting average: .263
- Home runs: 32
- RBI: 112
- Hits: 164
- Runs scored: 87
- Extra-base hits: 57
- OPS: .787
- Stolen bases: 15
Those numbers are confirmed by Stewart’s official MLB player statistics.
Stewart led National League rookies in home runs, RBI, extra-base hits and total bases. His 164 hits were also the most by a Cincinnati rookie since Pete Rose recorded 170 in 1963.
Perhaps just as impressive was his durability. Stewart appeared in all 162 games, providing a consistent presence in Cincinnati’s lineup throughout the season.
A Historical Rookie of the Year Precedent
Reaching 30 home runs and 100 RBI as a rookie is already an exceptionally rare achievement.
But Stewart’s accomplishment becomes even more significant when examining the players who previously reached those marks.
Since the Rookie of the Year Award was established in 1947, nine players had completed a 30-homer, 100-RBI rookie season before Stewart.
Every one of them won Rookie of the Year.
- Walt Dropo — 1950
- Ron Kittle — 1983
- José Canseco — 1986
- Mark McGwire — 1987
- Mike Piazza — 1993
- Albert Pujols — 2001
- José Abreu — 2014
- Aaron Judge — 2017
- Pete Alonso — 2019
Stewart is the latest player to join that exclusive group.
As detailed in MLB’s earlier examination of his historic rookie season, Stewart began separating himself from much of the rookie field during an outstanding August.
While the historical precedent does not guarantee that Stewart will win, it illustrates just how unusual his offensive production has been.
Stewart Joins Frank Robinson in Cincinnati Reds History
Stewart also accomplished something that had been done by only one other Reds rookie.
Before 2026, Hall of Famer Frank Robinson was the only Cincinnati rookie to hit at least 30 home runs in a season.
Robinson hit 38 home runs in 1956, the same season he won National League Rookie of the Year.
Seventy years later, Stewart joined him by hitting 32.
Stewart also became the first rookie in Reds franchise history to combine at least 30 home runs with 100 RBI.
His 112 RBI established a Cincinnati rookie record, surpassing the previous mark held by Jim Greengrass.
Those accomplishments are documented in MLB’s latest Reds award coverage.
Stewart Has Already Earned Major Recognition
Although the Baseball Writers’ Association of America has not yet announced its 2026 Rookie of the Year winners, Stewart has already received significant recognition for his season.
He was named the National League Outstanding Rookie in the MLB Players Association’s Players Choice Awards.
He also received National League Rookie of the Year recognition from The Sporting News.
Both honors are separate from the BBWAA’s official Rookie of the Year Award.
That distinction is important because Stewart’s candidacy for the BBWAA award remains unresolved.
The recognition from fellow players, however, strengthens the argument that Stewart’s offensive production deserves serious consideration.
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Who Is Competing With Stewart for NL Rookie of the Year?
Despite his impressive traditional statistics, Stewart faces competition from several talented National League rookies.
Among the players expected to receive consideration are St. Louis Cardinals infielder JJ Wetherholt and New York Mets players Carson Benge and Nolan McLean.
Each brings a different statistical argument to the race.
Stewart’s strongest case centers on his power, run production, durability and place in baseball history.
His 32 home runs and 112 RBI led National League rookies, while his 162 games played demonstrated an ability to contribute throughout an entire season.
Other candidates may have advantages in defensive value, pitching performance or advanced statistics.
Ultimately, the award will depend on how voters evaluate those different contributions.
When Will the 2026 NL Rookie of the Year Be Announced?
The BBWAA Rookie of the Year finalists are scheduled to be announced on November 2, 2026, on MLB Network.
The American League and National League winners are scheduled to be revealed on November 9, 2026.
Stewart is attempting to become Cincinnati’s first Rookie of the Year winner since Jonathan India earned the National League honor in 2021.
Until the results are announced, Stewart remains a leading candidate rather than a confirmed winner.
What Stewart’s Rookie Season Means for the Reds’ Future
Beyond the individual awards, Stewart’s emergence represents an important development for Cincinnati.
The Reds need consistent offensive production to become more competitive, and Stewart has already demonstrated an ability to produce power and drive in runs at the Major League level.
His combination of 32 home runs, 112 RBI and 162 games played provides an encouraging foundation entering 2027.
Stewart is also part of a young Cincinnati core that includes Elly De La Cruz and pitcher Chase Burns.
All three players were nominated for the 2026 All-MLB Team, according to MLB’s October 30 report.
Individual achievements alone won’t solve Cincinnati’s roster-building challenges. But developing a hitter capable of producing more than 30 home runs and 100 RBI in his first full season is a significant step.
Does Sal Stewart Deserve Rookie of the Year?
There is a compelling historical argument that he does.
Every previous rookie since 1947 to record at least 30 home runs and 100 RBI won Rookie of the Year.
Stewart matched those milestones while playing every game, leading National League rookies in several offensive categories and establishing multiple Reds franchise records.
Whether that is enough to win the BBWAA vote remains to be seen.
But one thing is already clear… Sal Stewart delivered one of the most productive rookie seasons in Cincinnati Reds history.
And with the Rookie of the Year announcement approaching, he has an opportunity to add another major accomplishment to an already historic campaign.
