Sal Stewart’s rookie season already looked like one of the most impressive stories of the Cincinnati Reds’ 2026 season. On Wednesday night, it became historic. The Reds announced during their game against the Phillies that Stewart had set a new franchise record for the most home runs by a Cincinnati rookie before the All-Star break, adding another major milestone to what has quickly become a standout first full season in the majors.
For a Reds team trying to stay relevant in the National League Central race, Stewart has been one of the clearest reasons for optimism. His latest achievement came on a night when Cincinnati’s offense exploded at Great American Ball Park, and the 22-year-old first baseman was right in the middle of it.
The Reds announced the milestone on social media Wednesday.
“The franchise record for most HR by a Reds rookie before the All-Star break now belongs to Sal Stewart!”
Stewart reached the mark during Cincinnati’s game against the Phillies, crushing two home runs as the Reds built a 7-2 lead by the fifth inning. His first blast tied the game in the third inning, and his second came during a five-run fourth inning that also included home runs from Noelvi Marte, Elly De La Cruz and JJ Bleday.
Sal Stewart Continues Historic Rookie Season
Stewart entered Wednesday already enjoying a breakout rookie campaign, but his two-homer performance pushed his season total to 17 home runs.
That number now stands alone as the most by a Reds rookie before the All-Star break, passing a mark previously associated with some of the best young power hitters in franchise history.
The production has not been limited to home runs. Stewart entered the night batting .254 with 17 homers, 61 RBIs and an .801 OPS. His RBI total ranked among the best in Major League Baseball, making him one of the most productive rookies in the sport.
MLB.com recently noted that Stewart and Reds pitcher Chase Burns were both selected to their first career All-Star Game, giving Cincinnati two rising stars headed to Philadelphia.
Reds Have Building Block in Middle of Lineup
Stewart’s emergence has given Cincinnati a legitimate middle-of-the-order presence alongside Elly De La Cruz.
The Reds have had an up-and-down season, entering Wednesday at 41-49 and well behind Milwaukee in the NL Central. Still, Stewart’s growth gives the organization a major reason to believe its young core can carry real momentum into the second half.
Wednesday’s announcement was more than a single-game highlight. It was another sign that Stewart is quickly becoming one of the most important players in Cincinnati’s future.
