Reds' Sal Stewart receives plenty of high praise from MLB Hall of Famers

While the 2026 season for the Cincinnati Reds hasn't gone to plan, as they've been eliminated from postseason contention and will have to retool once again this offseason, there is one major positive to walk away from this season with.

Sal Stewart broke out as a superstar infielder and looks to be a fixture of the Reds for a long time. He might be the NL Rookie of the Year favorite and is someone that Reds fans should be proud of.

USA Today's Bob Nightengale shared something that Reds fans will love to hear, as his poll of MLB Hall of Famers resulted in Stewart "overwhelmingly" being voted as the most impressive player this season.

Reds' Sal Stewart impresses MLB Hall of Famers

"Asking several Hall of Fame players about who has impressed them the most this season, and the overwhelming answer is Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart, who's hitting .272 with 32 homers and 110 RBIs," Nightengale shared.

Stewart receiving such overwhelming praise is not a surprise, but it's noteworthy that this praise is coming from MLB Hall of Fame players.

One anonymous Hall of Fame slugger told Nightengale that, "What he's doing is incredible. I can't believe when I hear people talking about other guys for the Rookie of the Year award. He should be unanimous. To drive in that many runs as a rookie is so damn impressive."

This season, Stewart has posted 2.3 bWAR, which isn't anything special, but it's a solid mark for a rookie slugger playing first base.

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In 155 games this season, Stewart has 160 hits, 85 runs scored, 25 doubles, 32 home runs, 110 RBIs, 15 stolen bases, 61 walks, 146 strikeouts, a .269 batting average, and an .809 OPS.

Those are some impressive statistics for a rookie, as his offensive impact has been incredible, especially for a 22-year-old in his first full season in the Major Leagues.

This Hall of Famer strongly believes Stewart should win Rookie of the Year, and there are likely others who share the same sentiment based on the responses to Nightengale's question.

Stewart got some lofty praise from multiple Hall of Famers, as his rookie year is one of the most impressive seasons from any player this year in the eyes of some of MLB's best to ever play the game. That's quite a good way to begin an MLB career for Stewart.

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