Slugging Reds first baseman Sal Stewart takes NL Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year

Sal Stewart, first baseman for the Cincinnati Reds, has been named the 2026 National League Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year, according to coverage from Yahoo Sports. Carson Benge, an outfielder for the New York Mets, finished as the runner-up in the same voting, Yahoo Sports reported in a separate story published at the same time. MLB.com also published coverage on the award, presenting the case for each Rookie of the Year finalist ahead of a 7 p.m. ET broadcast on MLB Network and MLB+. The coverage does not specify the vote totals, the margin between Stewart and Benge, or the full list of finalists beyond naming Benge as runner-up.

Coverage from Yahoo Sports focuses on Stewart's reaction to being named the winner, while the companion story centers on Benge's finish as runner-up. MLB.com's piece frames the finalists' cases collectively, timed to the evening television and streaming broadcast. No other outlets are named in the coverage provided, and no additional players are identified as finalists in the available reporting.

The Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year award is given annually to the top first-year player in each league. Stewart plays first base for the Reds, while Benge plays the outfield for the Mets. Both are described as rookies in the 2026 season. The coverage does not provide Stewart's or Benge's statistics, biographical details, or prior minor league backgrounds, and it does not state how long either player has been in the major leagues.

What to watch next depends on information not yet present in the coverage. The reporting does not indicate when an official award ceremony might occur, whether Stewart or Benge will make public appearances, or how the result affects either player's standing with their respective teams. Readers seeking vote breakdowns, complete finalist lists, or reaction from managers and teammates will need to wait for further reporting beyond what is currently available.