Sal Stewart named National League Rookie of the Year after 2026 season with 32 home runs for Cincinnati Reds

By Vancouver Television Sports Desk

CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Reds rookie first baseman Sal Stewart was named the winner of the National League Rookie of the Year Award for the 2026 season, the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) announced Monday during an awards show on MLB Network and MLB+. The BBWAA tally came from ballots cast by 30 members, with Stewart receiving 20 first-place votes and 170 points overall.

Stewart finished ahead of Mets outfielder Carson Benge, who received seven first-place votes and 107 points, and Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt, who received three first-place votes and 99 points. The Reds also moved into an exclusive group as the fifth Major League franchise to produce at least nine Rookie of the Year winners, joining the Dodgers (18), Yankees (10), Braves (10) and A’s (9).

The award marked the latest Reds rookie honour following past recipients including Jonathan India (2021), Scott Williamson (1999), Chris Sabo (1988), Pat Zachry (1976), Johnny Bench (1968), Tommy Helms (1966), Pete Rose (1963) and Frank Robinson (1956). Monday’s decision added Stewart’s name to that franchise list as the BBWAA recognized his rookie production at multiple positions.

The BBWAA announcement cited Stewart’s full-season participation: in 2026, he batted .263 with a .787 OPS while playing all 162 games, with 161 starts. Besides first base, Stewart made starts at third base, second base and designated hitter, expanding his role beyond a single defensive spot as the team used him throughout the lineup.

Stewart’s season included a major power and run-production milestone that stood out historically for Cincinnati. The BBWAA noted that he joined Hall of Famer Frank Robinson as the only Reds rookies to record a 30-home-run rookie season, and that his 112 RBIs set a Reds rookie franchise record. The release further states Stewart became the only Cincinnati rookie to post a season of at least 30 home runs and 100 RBIs.

The BBWAA also linked the 30-homer threshold to rarity across Major League history, noting that only 14 rookies have ever achieved a 30-home-run, 100-RBI season. It added that each of the previous nine rookies to accomplish the feat since the Rookie of the Year Award began in 1947 had gone on to win the award itself.

Statistically, the BBWAA credited Stewart with leading all National League rookies in home runs, RBIs, extra-base hits (57) and total bases (285). His 164 hits were tied for the second-most total by a Reds rookie since Pete Rose’s 170 hits in 1963, and the release said he ranked second in runs scored (87) and third in walks (63).

The announcement also pointed to how Stewart’s home run production split between locations. While Great American Ball Park is described as hitter-friendly, the BBWAA said Stewart hit more homers on the road (17) than at home (15) during the 2026 season.

Finally, the BBWAA’s announcement emphasized Stewart’s approach and versatility as part of why he earned the Rookie of the Year vote totals. It credited him with working deep counts and hitting to all fields across his rookie campaign, culminating in Stewart’s selection on Monday night as the league’s top first-year player.

Eligible: true. Research gap: None. The source provides the BBWAA award mechanics and Stewart’s season line, but it does not include details such as vote counts for every eligible finalist beyond those named, nor does it provide specific statements from Stewart or team officials.