Sal Stewart, the 22‑year‑old shortstop prospect for the Cincinnati Reds, has burst onto the 2026 Major League Baseball scene by leading all rookies with 84 runs batted in and 23 home runs, while posting a .255/.334/.477 slash line and 46 extra‑base hits.
A Rankings Misstep?
Yet Baseball America’s latest rookie rankings place Stewart at No. 14, a placement that many analysts have called a significant miss given his statistical dominance.
The discrepancy becomes clearer when Stewart is compared with Kevin McGonigle, who tops Baseball America’s list at No. 1 despite an .814 OPS and only 34 RBIs, numbers that fall far short of Stewart’s production.
Similarly, JJ Wetherholt, ranked No. 2, holds a .741 OPS and sits 20 points above league average, yet Stewart still outperforms him offensively, underscoring the inadequacy of the current rankings.
Stewart’s 84 RBIs through July also represent the most by a National League rookie since 1920, eclipsing Del Bissonette’s 83, further cementing his impact on the game.
On Friday night, he drove in four runs during a victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, a performance that highlighted his clutch capabilities.
In a post‑game interview, Stewart emphasized his focus on winning rather than personal accolades, stating that the team’s success is his primary motivation.
Reds officials have praised the 22‑year‑old as a special talent, noting his blend of power, patience and poise that could shape the club’s future.