CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart has been named the 2026 National League Rookie of the Year by The Sporting News, adding another accomplishment to one of the best rookie seasons in franchise history.
Stewart, 22, hit .263 with 32 home runs, more than 100 RBIs, and a .787 OPS in his first full major league season. He also collected 164 hits, scored 87 runs, and stole 15 bases while earning his first All-Star selection.
His 32 home runs were the second-most ever by a Reds rookie, trailing only Frank Robinson's 38 in 1956. Stewart also became the first Cincinnati rookie to record at least 30 home runs and 100 RBIs in a season.
The award follows a year in which Stewart quickly became one of Cincinnati's most productive hitters. He earned National League Rookie of the Month honors twice, in April and August, providing consistent power in a Reds lineup that struggled to score runs throughout the season.
Another Award Still to Come?
The Sporting News honor is separate from the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year award presented by the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA). Winning The Sporting News award does not guarantee Stewart will receive the BBWAA honor, which is determined by baseball writers.
Stewart is also among the leading candidates for the BBWAA award, which will be announced November 9. If selected, he would become the first Reds player to win the award since Jonathan India in 2021.
Regardless of the outcome, Stewart has already established himself as an important part of Cincinnati's future. The Reds finished a disappointing 75-87 this season, but Stewart's production gives the organization a young hitter to build around as it looks to improve its offense in 2027.
