Sal Stewart breaks Johnny Bench's all-time Cincinnati Reds record

The 22-year-old outfielder is the youngest Reds player to hit 2 home runs and drive in 6 RBIs in a single game.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:28am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in shades of red and gray, depicting the explosive motion and multiple perspectives of a baseball player swinging the bat and hitting a home run.A cubist interpretation of Sal Stewart's historic home run performance, capturing the raw power and energy of the young Reds star.Cincinnati Today

Sal Stewart, a 22-year-old outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds, has broken a long-standing franchise record held by Hall of Famer Johnny Bench. On Wednesday night, Stewart hit two home runs and drove in six RBIs, making him the youngest Reds player to accomplish that feat, beating Bench's previous record by 102 days.

Why it matters

Bench is considered one of the greatest players in Reds history, so any record he holds is extremely prestigious. Stewart's accomplishment at such a young age is a testament to his immense talent and potential, and it has Reds fans excited about the future of their team.

The details

Stewart, who is in his second MLB season, hit five home runs in limited action at the end of the 2025 season, showing he could bring power to the Reds lineup. Despite some uncertainty about whether he would make the Opening Day roster, Stewart not only made the team but was penciled in as the cleanup hitter. His historic performance on Wednesday night has further cemented his status as a rising star in Cincinnati.

  • On April 15, 2026, Sal Stewart set the Reds record for youngest player to hit 2 home runs and drive in 6 RBIs in a single game.

The players

Sal Stewart

A 22-year-old outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds who is in his second MLB season.

Johnny Bench

A Hall of Fame catcher who is considered one of the greatest players in Cincinnati Reds history.

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What they’re saying

“Sal Stewart, at age 22 - 129 days, is the youngest player in #Reds history with a 2 HR, 6+ RBI game, beating Johnny Bench by 102 days.”

— OnBaseMachine, Twitter user

The takeaway

Stewart's historic performance not only broke a long-standing Reds record held by a Hall of Famer, but it has also further cemented his status as a rising star in Cincinnati. Reds fans are excited to see what the young outfielder can accomplish in the rest of his career.