Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart has officially claimed the 2026 National League Rookie of the Year award, securing the honor with a commanding performance that left little room for debate. Announced on Monday, Stewart’s victory was defined by overwhelming support from the voting panel, as he collected 20 of the 30 available first-place votes and two second-place finishes. He was the only player in the National League to appear on every single ballot, decisively outpacing runner-up Carson Benge and third-place finisher JJ Wetherholt.
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The 22-year-old’s breakout second season was characterized by elite production and unprecedented durability. Stewart slashed a .787 OPS while driving in 112 runs and stealing 15 bases, anchoring his case with 32 home runs. His commitment to the game was equally impressive, as he played all 162 regular-season games, becoming the first rookie to achieve this feat since Delmon Young in 2007. These stats placed him eighth in the NL in home runs and second in RBI, marking a significant leap for a player in his early career.
Stewart’s achievement stands out as a rare bright spot for the Reds, who finished in last place in the National League standings this year. An All-Star selection during the 2026 campaign, Stewart becomes the franchise’s ninth overall Rookie of the Year winner and the first since Jonathan India in 2021. His performance not only highlights individual excellence but also offers a promising foundation for Cincinnati’s future, proving that standout talent can emerge even in challenging team contexts.
Source: Yahoo Sports
