What makes me most proud [is] all the work I put in just to get to this point where I’m at today,
Sal Stewart said after being named the 2026 National League Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year.
The Cincinnati Reds first baseman secured the honor on Monday, capping a standout season in which he became the franchise’s ninth winner of the award. Stewart joins a list of previous Reds winners 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).
“I’m fortunate to have people like Manny” 👏 2026 NL Rookie of the Year Sal Stewart credits Manny Machado as one of the reasons for his success 🙌 pic.twitter.com/HHUgKY4XoD
Stewart received 20 of 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, totaling 170 points. He was the only player in the National League field to appear on every ballot. Mets outfielder Carson Benge finished second with seven first-place votes and 107 points.
Cardinals infielder JJ Wetherholt rounded out the top three, earning three first-place votes and 99 points. Mets pitcher Nolan McLean placed fourth with 70 points, while TJ Rumfield, Logan Henderson, Bryce Eldridge, Didier Fuentes, and A.J. Ewing also appeared on ballots.
Sal Stewart becomes the ninth player in @Reds history to win NL Rookie of the Year honors! pic.twitter.com/9ao1auE3N1
In the American League, Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle claimed the Rookie of the Year award, earning 28 of 30 first-place votes.
Stewart’s victory highlighted a contrast between traditional power production and advanced sabermetric metrics. Stewart is one of only 15 rookies in history to record at least 30 home runs and 100 RBIs. He also became just the fifth rookie to put up at least 100 RBIs and 15 stolen bases, joining Carlos Beltran (1999), Jose Canseco (1986), Tony Lazzeri (1926) and Al Simmons (1924).
Benge hit .282 with 20 home runs and 22 stolen bases, becoming the first Mets rookie to achieve a 20/20 season. Wetherholt, despite missing the final month of the season due to right wrist tendinitis, was lauded for his defensive contributions at second base. McGonigle, the AL winner, led his league with 6.0 offensive bWAR and became the fourth rookie since 1947 to post at least 95 walks and 95 runs scored.
Because Stewart remained on the Reds’ major-league roster for the duration of the season, his award win triggers the Prospect Promotion Incentive. This grants Cincinnati a supplemental first-round pick in the 2027 MLB Draft. These rewards stem from the clubs’ decisions to include their top prospects on their respective Opening Day rosters.
Stewart’s 2026 campaign saw him start 110 games at first base, 33 at third base, 11 as a designated hitter, and seven at second base. While he established himself as a middle-of-the-order bat, he noted areas for growth, including reducing his strikeout rate and improving defensive consistency, as he looks to help the Reds move from last place back to the postseason.
