Sal Stewart of the Cincinnati Reds was named National League Rookie of the Year yesterday garnering 20 of 30 first place votes beating out JJ Wetherholt and Carson Benge for the prize.
Stewart debuted last September with Cincinnati but remained rookie eligible going into 2026. He was team’s Opening Day first baseman, the Cuban-American slugger started 110 games there, 33 at third base, 11 as a designated hitter, and even played seven at second base. He led NL rookies with 700 plate appearances and slashed .263/.330/.457 with 32 home runs, 12 more than any other rookie in the National League.
Stewart was also second in the senior circuit driving in 112 runs, nearly 40 RBI clear of any other first-year player. Only Cardinals first baseman Alec Burleson kept Stewart from leading all NL hitters in that category. The native of Miami finished eighth in the league in home runs.
During the regular season, we had the chance to speak with Sal Stewart, the Cuban-American Cincinnati Reds infielder. Months before that conversation, Stewart faced Team Cuba in a tune-up game for the World Baseball Classic and hit a home run against them.
When Stewart spoke with the Cuban Baseball Digest about his Cuban roots, his father’s story, and his hope of visiting Cuba someday.
Here’s what he told us.
“I hope they’ll be free soon. I really want to go back and see where my dad is from. I’d love to play for them in the future, but only if they’re free. I know everything my dad went through to get here and build the life he did for both of us.”
That conversation takes on new meaning tonight as Stewart is crowned National League Rookie of the Year.
Players of Cuban Heritage that have won a Rookie of the Year in MLB:
🔹 1964| Tony Oliva — Minnesota Twins, American League
🔹 1986| José Canseco — Oakland Athletics, American League
🔹 2013 | José Fernández — Miami Marlins, National League
🔹 2014 | José Abreu — Chicago White Sox, American League
🔹 2019 | Yordan Álvarez — Houston Astros, American League
🔹 2021 | Randy Arozarena — Tampa Bay Rays, American League
🔹 2026 | Sal Stewart — Cincinnati Reds, National League