On November 9, 2026, Sal Stewart officially became the National League Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year. The Cincinnati Reds infielder received 20 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, finishing ahead of New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge and St. Louis Cardinals infielder JJ Wetherholt.

His award was the conclusion to an unusual rookie season: 32 home runs, 112 runs batted in, 164 hits and an appearance in every one of Cincinnati’s 162 games. Stewart had not simply shown that he belonged in the major leagues. He had established himself as a central part of the Reds’ lineup.

The achievement also connected him with some of the most recognizable names in Cincinnati baseball history. Stewart became the first Reds rookie ever to combine 30 home runs and 100 RBIs in a season, a threshold that made the award announcement a natural occasion for commemorative player artwork.

From September Call-Up to Everyday Star

Stewart made his major-league debut in September 2025, giving Cincinnati a glimpse of his ability before his first full season. Entering 2026, his confidence was apparent: he expected to compete for Rookie of the Year recognition, even though the physical demands of an entire MLB season would be new territory.

Rather than settling into a limited role, Stewart became a regular presence in manager Terry Francona’s batting order. He appeared at first base, third base, second base and designated hitter, giving the Reds a way to keep his bat in the lineup.

His .263 batting average and .787 OPS were accompanied by 57 extra-base hits and 285 total bases. He led National League rookies in home runs, RBIs, extra-base hits and total bases.

Perhaps the most remarkable statistic was his availability. Stewart played all 162 games, the first rookie to do so since Delmon Young in 2007. For a player navigating his first full major-league schedule, that consistency was a substantial achievement.

The Reds Rookie Record That Made the Season Different

Cincinnati has produced memorable rookies for generations, including Frank Robinson, Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, Chris Sabo and Jonathan India. Yet Stewart reached a statistical combination none of those Reds rookies had achieved.

His 32 home runs placed him alongside Robinson as one of only two Reds rookies to reach 30 homers. His 112 RBIs established a franchise rookie record. Together, those figures made him Cincinnati’s first 30-homer, 100-RBI rookie in club history.

The production was not simply a function of playing in a hitter-friendly home ballpark. Stewart actually hit more home runs on the road than at Great American Ball Park, with 17 away and 15 at home.

He also drove in runs in different ways: putting balls in play with runners aboard, using the whole field and showing patience rather than swinging exclusively for home runs.

How the 2026 Rookie of the Year Voting Finished

Stewart appeared on all 30 BBWAA ballots and received 170 total points. Carson Benge finished second with 107 points, followed by JJ Wetherholt with 99. Nolan McLean placed fourth.

The outcome was decisive, although the ballots show that voters recognized several impressive rookie seasons across the league. Stewart’s power production, run-driving ability and everyday availability provided a compelling case.

The Award Also Changes Cincinnati’s 2027 Draft

There was a practical reward for the Reds beyond the trophy. Because Cincinnati promoted Stewart to its Opening Day roster and he won the Rookie of the Year award, the club earned an additional selection after the first round of the 2027 MLB Draft through the Prospect Promotion Incentive program.

That detail makes Stewart’s season relevant to both the current roster and the franchise’s future. The award recognizes what he achieved in 2026, while the extra draft selection gives Cincinnati another opportunity to add talent.

What the ’26 ROY Shirt Captures

The Sal Stewart ’26 ROY graphic turns an entire rookie season into one easily recognized emblem. The design centers on the player’s name, the year, the Rookie of the Year initials and a batting illustration that connects the achievement back to the field.

Sal Stewart — ’26 ROY

A Cincinnati baseball tribute to the 32-homer, 112-RBI season that earned Stewart the National League Rookie of the Year award.

Explore the Stewart design →

Rather than treating the award as a hypothetical future possibility, the graphic records an honor that has already been announced. The year and ROY lettering give the image its commemorative purpose, while Stewart’s batting figure links the title to his on-field achievements.

The design belongs to a familiar tradition of baseball award shirts: large lettering, a recognizable player and a single accomplishment that supporters can immediately place within the team’s history.

Why Reds Fans Can Celebrate Even After a Difficult Year

Cincinnati’s team record did not match Stewart’s individual success. The Reds finished last in the National League Central with 75 wins, leaving their young star watching the postseason rather than participating.

Stewart acknowledged that frustration in his award interviews. He celebrated his own progress but emphasized the importance of helping Cincinnati return to winning baseball.

That contrast gives the 2026 award its emotional weight. The Reds still have substantial work ahead as a team, but Stewart’s breakthrough provides a concrete reason for optimism about one part of their future.

The Cincinnati Reds collection brings together other player references and baseball moments connected to the club. The broader MLB collection places this Rookie of the Year achievement alongside milestones from across the league.

Readers can also explore Sal Stewart designs or read MLB’s full official award report .

Frequently Asked Questions