Sal Stewart Named NL Rookie of the Year Finalist
The Reds infielder is one of three finalists for the 2026 National League Rookie of the Year award announced by Major League Baseball.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Baseball
Major League Baseball named Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart a finalist for the 2026 NL Rookie of the Year award on Monday. Carson Benge of the New York Mets and JJ Wetherholt of the St. Louis Cardinals are the other two finalists.
Why it matters
Stewart's selection recognizes a historic rookie season in Cincinnati, where he set a new franchise record for RBIs by a rookie. The Baseball Writers' Association of America will announce the winners on Nov. 9.
Stewart drove in 111 runs and hit 32 home runs with a 117 OPS+ as a rookie, a 111-RBI total that set a Reds franchise record for a first-year player. The award winner will not be known until the BBWAA announces it on Nov. 9.
The players
Sal Stewart
A 22-year-old Cincinnati Reds infielder whose 32 home runs and 111 RBIs set a franchise rookie record in 2026.
Carson Benge
A New York Mets outfielder who is one of the other two finalists for the 2026 NL Rookie of the Year award.
JJ Wetherholt
A St. Louis Cardinals infielder who is one of the other two finalists for the 2026 NL Rookie of the Year award.
Major League Baseball
The professional baseball league that announces the finalists and administers the annual rookie award selection process.
The details
Stewart, 22, was named to the NL All-Star team during his rookie campaign. If he wins, he would be the first Reds player to claim the award since Jonathan India in 2021 and the ninth Reds player in franchise history to win it.
Timeline
- 2026 season: Stewart's historic rookie year with the Reds.
- Monday (Nov. 2, 2026): MLB announced the three finalists.
- Nov. 9, 2026: BBWAA to announce the Rookie of the Year winners.
Season Trajectory
Stewart's rookie campaign positions him as a candidate for the first Reds Rookie of the Year since Jonathan India won the award in 2021. A win would make him the ninth Reds player in franchise history to claim the honor.
Stewart's 32 home runs and 111 RBIs make him a strong fantasy target for next season's drafts. Fans tracking the award can check the BBWAA announcement on Nov. 9 for the official winner.
The takeaway
Stewart's rookie production in Cincinnati is a reminder that breakout seasons can reset a franchise's expectations for young hitters, and the Nov. 9 announcement will confirm whether his numbers earn the league's top rookie honor.
What happens next
The BBWAA will announce the 2026 NL and AL Rookie of the Year winners on Nov. 9, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the Reds' season, explore Baseball coverage on Wisevoter.
