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Reds’ Sal Stewart gets a major boost from his peers in NL Rookie of the Year push

Cincinnati Reds slugger Sal Stewart should be the 2026 NL Rookie of the Year, and a recent honor handed out by the MLBPA seems to acknowledge as much.

By Drew Koch · Blog Red Machine

Published: Friday, 16 October 2026 at 10:14 AM

Key Things to Know

Sal Stewart was named a finalist for the MLBPA NL Outstanding Rookie Award, boosting his Rookie of the Year push.
JJ Wetherholt and TJ Rumfield were also nominated as finalists, while key competitor Carson Benge was omitted.
Stewart appeared in all 162 games, finishing with 32 home runs and 111 RBIs.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart has been named a finalist for the National League Outstanding Rookie Award by the MLB Players Choice Awards. Stewart was nominated alongside St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt and Colorado Rockies first baseman TJ Rumfield. Blog Red Machine notes that top competitor Carson Benge missed the shortlist, boosting Stewart's case for the NL Rookie of the Year award.

While critics cite Stewart's lower WAR totals, writer Drew Koch emphasizes Stewart's counting stats across a full 162-game season. Stewart posted a .263 batting average with 32 home runs, 111 RBI, and strong clutch hitting with runners in scoring position.

Read the full article on Blog Red Machine

Reds’ Sal Stewart gets a major boost from his peers in NL Rookie of the Year push

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