Stewart wins NL Rookie of the Year after historic 32-homer output

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart has won the 2026 National League Rookie of the Year Award presented by the BBWAA. The 22-year-old received 20 first-place votes and 170 points overall, finishing ahead of New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge and St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt. Stewart became the ninth player in Reds franchise history to earn the honor.

During his rookie campaign, Stewart batted .263 with 32 home runs and a franchise rookie-record 112 RBIs across all 162 games. By winning the award after starting the season on Cincinnati's Opening Day roster, Stewart also earned the Reds a 2027 supplemental first-round draft pick under the Prospect Promotion Incentive.