The Cincinnati Reds have ANOTHER Rookie of the Year in the National League.
After delivering one of the most productive rookie campaigns in franchise history, Sal Stewart has won the 2026 National League Rookie of the Year Award, adding another prestigious honor to an already remarkable season.
The 22-year-old Reds infielder earned the recognition over New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge and St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt, the other two finalists for the award presented by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA).
For Cincinnati, Stewart’s victory represents more than an individual accomplishment. It provides another reason to believe the organization has found a foundational piece for its future.
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Sal Stewart Put Together a Historic 2026 Season
Stewart entered the 2026 season with considerable expectations, but few could have anticipated the offensive production he would deliver across his first full year in Major League Baseball.
According to MLB.com’s breakdown of Stewart’s historic rookie campaign, the young slugger appeared in all 162 games for Cincinnati, making 161 starts while providing the Reds with a consistent offensive presence.
His final 2026 statistics were impressive:
- Batting Average: .263
- Home Runs: 32
- Runs Batted In: 112
- On-Base Percentage: .330
- Slugging Percentage: .457
- OPS: .787
- Hits: 164
- Runs Scored: 87
- Extra-Base Hits: 57
- Total Bases: 285
Those numbers placed Stewart among the most productive rookies in baseball, particularly when it came to power and driving in runs.
He led all National League rookies in home runs, RBIs, extra-base hits and total bases.
Even among established major league hitters, Stewart’s production stood out. His 112 RBIs ranked second in the National League, while his 32 home runs ranked eighth.
His performance was particularly notable considering the demands of a full major league season. Stewart not only handled the offensive workload but also contributed defensively at multiple positions, including first base, third base and second base.
Stewart Makes Reds History Alongside Frank Robinson
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Stewart’s season was how frequently his accomplishments drew comparisons to some of the greatest players in Cincinnati Reds history.
Stewart became just the second rookie in franchise history to hit at least 30 home runs in a season.
The other?
Frank Robinson.
Robinson launched 38 home runs during his legendary 1956 rookie campaign, a season that also earned him National League Rookie of the Year honors.
Seventy years later, Stewart joined Robinson in that exclusive category.
But Stewart accomplished something even Robinson didn’t achieve during his rookie season.
With 32 home runs and 112 RBIs, Stewart became the first rookie in Cincinnati Reds history to record at least 30 home runs and 100 RBIs in the same season.
His 112 RBIs also established a new franchise rookie record.
As MLB.com noted when Stewart was announced as a Rookie of the Year finalist, only 14 rookies in Major League Baseball history had previously recorded a 30-home-run, 100-RBI season.
That puts Stewart in some extraordinary company.
Among the players to accomplish the feat are Albert Pujols, Aaron Judge, Mike Piazza, Mark McGwire, Jose Canseco and Pete Alonso.
Each of the previous nine players to reach those milestones since the Rookie of the Year Award was established in 1947 went on to win the award.
Stewart has now continued that tradition.
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Visit the Reds HUB →A Rookie of the Year Race Featuring Three Talented Young Players
Although Stewart’s power numbers ultimately separated him from the competition, the 2026 National League Rookie of the Year race featured three players with compelling cases.
New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge enjoyed an impressive first season, finishing with a .282 batting average, 20 home runs, 65 RBIs and a .776 OPS across 156 games.
Benge’s contributions extended beyond his offensive numbers. His combination of hitting, defense and overall production helped him accumulate 4.3 Baseball-Reference WAR.
St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt also emerged as a serious contender.
Wetherholt finished the season batting .242 with 17 home runs, 51 RBIs and a .704 OPS in 139 games.
His greatest strength, however, came defensively.
Wetherholt ranked in the 100th percentile in both Statcast’s Outs Above Average and Fielding Run Value, demonstrating his exceptional defensive ability at second base.
He finished with 4.5 Baseball-Reference WAR, exceeding the totals of both Stewart and Benge.
Stewart’s case was built primarily around offensive production.
His 32 home runs and 112 RBIs were significantly higher than the totals of either finalist, and his ability to remain in the lineup for all 162 games gave Cincinnati an everyday run producer.
While the advanced metrics favored his competitors in overall value, Stewart’s historical offensive accomplishments ultimately proved decisive.
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Stewart Becomes the Ninth Reds Rookie of the Year Winner
With the award, Stewart becomes the ninth player in Cincinnati Reds history to capture National League Rookie of the Year honors.
He is the first Cincinnati player to win the award since Jonathan India in 2021.
The complete list of Reds Rookie of the Year winners now includes:
- 1956: Frank Robinson
- 1963: Pete Rose
- 1966: Tommy Helms
- 1968: Johnny Bench
- 1976: Pat Zachry
- 1988: Chris Sabo
- 1999: Scott Williamson
- 2021: Jonathan India
- 2026: Sal Stewart
It’s an impressive collection of talent that includes some of the most recognizable players to ever wear a Cincinnati uniform.
Robinson, Rose and Bench helped define different eras of Reds baseball, while players such as Sabo and India became fan favorites during their respective rookie seasons.
Stewart now has an opportunity to build his own legacy within the organization.
And at just 22 years old, his major league career is only beginning.
What Sal Stewart’s Breakout Means for Cincinnati’s Future
For an organization looking to establish sustained success, Stewart’s emergence could prove to be one of the most important developments of the 2026 season.
Finding a young hitter capable of producing 30-plus home runs and more than 100 RBIs is no small accomplishment.
Finding one who can do it at 22 years old, while appearing in every game of the season, is even more impressive.
Stewart gives the Reds a legitimate power threat who can help anchor the middle of their lineup for years to come.
Alongside Elly De La Cruz and Cincinnati’s other young players, Stewart provides another potential cornerstone as the organization prepares for the 2027 season.
Of course, maintaining that production will present challenges.
Opposing pitchers will continue adjusting to Stewart, and the young slugger will need to demonstrate that his historic rookie performance was the beginning of sustained success rather than a career-best season.
But the foundation is there.
Stewart has already shown the ability to hit for power, drive in runs and handle the physical demands of a full major league schedule.
His 2026 Baseball Savant profile illustrates just how productive his first full season was compared to the rest of the National League.
And now he has the hardware to accompany those accomplishments.
A Special Season for Sal Stewart and the Cincinnati Reds
There are certain seasons that stand out in the history of a franchise.
Frank Robinson’s remarkable 1956 rookie campaign was one of them.
Pete Rose’s arrival in 1963 was another. Johnny Bench’s emergence in 1968 helped lay the groundwork for one of the greatest eras in Cincinnati Reds history. It’s far too early to know what Stewart’s career will ultimately become, but his 2026 season has already earned a place in the franchise’s record books.
Thirty-two home runs.
One hundred twelve RBIs.
A franchise rookie record.
And now, the 2026 National League Rookie of the Year Award!
For Stewart, it’s the culmination of an unforgettable season.
For Cincinnati Reds fans, the hope is that it’s only the beginning.
