Cincinnati’s Sal Stewart has absolutely torched MLB this season, crushing 31 homers and leading the entire league with a mind-blowing 105 RBIs as September kicks off. For a Reds team that’s had a “mess” of a 2026 season, this rookie infielder isn’t just a bright spot, he’s basically the sun, moon, and stars all rolled into one. And if you think the NL Rookie of the Year race is still up for grabs, you might want to check the history books, because Stewart has already punched his ticket to the winner’s circle.
Stewart Is Making History and the League Can’t Deny It
We’re talking about a rookie who, by the end of August, already had 31 dingers to his name, which leads all rookies across the board. But the real jaw-dropper? His 105 RBIs don’t just lead all rookies, they lead *the entire Major League*. That’s not just impressive, that’s absolutely unheard of for a first-year player. And here’s the kicker: MLB.com’s Jason Foster dropped a truth bomb, revealing that every single rookie since the award started in 1947 who’s hit 30+ homers and racked up 100+ RBIs has taken home the trophy. Stewart has already hit those marks with a whole month left in the regular season. This isn’t just a hot streak, this is a historical guarantee in the making. Twenty-four out of forty MLB experts, according to Foster, already have him as their NL ROY favorite. How could they not?
Beyond the Long Ball: The Full Offensive Package
Stewart isn’t just a one-trick pony, either. While his power numbers are insane, he’s also rocking a solid .268 batting average and an .827 OPS across 139 games played. The dude has tallied 80 runs scored, piled up 143 hits, and smacked 25 doubles. Yeah, his defense and plate discipline could use some polish, with 130 strikeouts to 57 walks on the year. But let’s be real: when you’re leading the whole dang league in RBIs and making history with your power, a few Ks aren’t going to stop you. Other guys like JJ Wetherholt, Nolan McLean, and Carson Benge have been in the mix, sure. Wetherholt even had struggles after the All-Star break and then got injured, losing a ton of ground. McLean and Benge are good, but Stewart’s overall offensive production is just too much to overcome. He might not lead in bWAR, but his bat is screaming “Rookie of the Year.”
This guy’s debut in 2025 was impressive, but he’s turned it up to eleven in 2026. With a whole month still on the calendar, Sal Stewart is already making history. Will he pile on more incredible numbers? You bet he will. Get ready to see this guy hoist that Rookie of the Year trophy, because the numbers, and history itself, are screaming his name.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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