Cincinnati Reds Rookie Named National League Player of the Week

Sal Stewart's hot start has him in the running for Rookie of the Year

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:08pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball player's batting stance and swing, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form conveying the dynamic motion of the game.A cubist interpretation of Reds rookie Sal Stewart's powerful swing, capturing the raw energy and athleticism that has fueled his breakout start to the season.Cincinnati Today

Reds rookie slugger Sal Stewart has been named the National League's Player of the Week after a dominant series against the Boston Red Sox. In the three-game set, the 22-year-old hit .700 with a home run, three doubles, and two RBIs, leading the NL in several offensive categories.

Why it matters

Stewart's breakout performance has him off to a historic start, reaching base 10 times in the Reds' first three games - a feat only accomplished by two other players since 1900 at a younger age. His hot start has him in the early running for the Rookie of the Year Award.

The details

In the three-game series against the Red Sox, Stewart posted an OPS of 2.069 with a home run, three doubles, and two RBIs. He leads the National League in hits (7), batting average (.700), doubles (2), on-base percentage (.769), and slugging (1.333).

  • Stewart has reached base 10 times in the Reds' first three games.
  • He is the first Red to win the Player of the Week Award since Spencer Steer last June.
  • Stewart is now tied for second-most home runs in Reds history through the first 20 games of a career.

The players

Sal Stewart

A 22-year-old rookie slugger for the Cincinnati Reds who was named the National League Player of the Week after a dominant series against the Boston Red Sox.

Terry Francona

The manager of the Cincinnati Reds, who has praised Stewart's advanced hitting ability.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, it's great, and I'm super proud of myself. But that's in the past now, and now it's time to go and play against the Pirates. I'm going to go out there and play hard for my team and help the team win. I'm super proud of myself, but that's in the past now and now it's time to go out and play against the Pirates.”

— Sal Stewart

“They've (his at-bats) has been tremendous. I know he's not going to hit .650 or whatever he's hitting, well I mean maybe, but he's a good hitter. I know I've been saying it for a while now. He's an advanced hitter.”

— Terry Francona, Manager

What’s next

The Reds take on the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday night. Chase Burns makes his season debut versus Braxton Ashcraft.

The takeaway

Sal Stewart's historic start to the season has him firmly in the Rookie of the Year conversation, as the young slugger continues to impress with his advanced hitting ability and power. The Reds will look to ride his hot bat as they take on the Pirates in their next series.