Cincinnati Reds Rookie Infielder Sal Stewart Ties Franchise Home Run Record

Stewart has hit 9 home runs in his first 31 MLB games, matching Adam Dunn's franchise record.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:09pm

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Cincinnati Reds rookie infielder Sal Stewart is making history, tying the franchise record for most home runs by a player in their first 31 career games. Through his first 13 games this season, Stewart is slashing .364/.473/.727 with 9 home runs, 10 walks, and 3 stolen bases, providing a bright spot for a struggling Reds offense.

Why it matters

Stewart's historic power display comes at a crucial time for the Reds, who have struggled mightily to score runs to start the season. The young infielder's production has been a lone bright spot, as the Reds' team batting metrics rank near the bottom of the league.

The details

According to MLB's Sarah Langs, Stewart has tied Adam Dunn's franchise record of 9 home runs in a player's first 31 career games. The only Reds player to hit more homers in that span was Aristides Aquino, who had 14 during his incredible 2018-19 stretch. Reds broadcaster Jeff Brantley praised Stewart's ability to change his approach in different game situations, saying he would 'really piss me off' as a pitcher facing him.

  • Through the first 31 games of his career, Stewart has hit 9 home runs.
  • The Reds are 8-5 to start the 2026 season.

The players

Sal Stewart

A rookie infielder for the Cincinnati Reds who has tied the franchise record for most home runs in a player's first 31 career games.

Adam Dunn

A former Reds player who previously held the franchise record of 9 home runs in a player's first 31 career games.

Aristides Aquino

A Reds player who holds the franchise record of 14 home runs in a player's first 31 career games.

Jeff Brantley

A Reds broadcaster who praised Stewart's ability to change his approach in different game situations.

Sarah Langs

An MLB analyst who provided the statistic about Stewart tying Dunn's franchise record.

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What they’re saying

“I'll say this with Sal. He would really piss me off if I was a pitcher. I'll be honest with you. He would. He would really make me mad. And that is the best compliment that I could give that kid because he fights for it, he wants it, his energy is so high.”

— Jeff Brantley, Reds Broadcaster

“The thing that I love about that kid that nobody notices yet, but they will, the pitchers will, he hits different with runners in scoring position, he hits different late in the ballgame with nobody on and you need a home run, and he hits different when he has a runner at third and he hits different when he has a runner at third and two outs when he's got to get a hit. And when you can change your swing like that and still be really good, that would piss me off.”

— Jeff Brantley, Reds Broadcaster

What’s next

The Reds will look to Sal Stewart to continue providing a spark for their struggling offense as they try to stay atop the NL Central division.

The takeaway

Sal Stewart's historic power display has provided a much-needed boost for the Reds, who have otherwise struggled mightily at the plate to start the season. The young infielder's ability to adapt his approach in different game situations has impressed the team's broadcasters and could make him a thorn in the side of opposing pitchers for years to come.