Reds Beat: Sal Stewart Wins His First Award, Rewarded For His Record-Setting Opening Five Weeks – Will It Jump-Start Him?

CINCINNATI — Sal Stewart made history in the first five weeks of the season. On Monday, he was recognized for it. Stewart was voted the National League Rookie of the Month for March/April.

The 22-year-old hit .281 (32-for-114) with nine homers, 29 RBI, six doubles, 18 walks, 20 runs scored, seven stolen bases, had a .570 slugging percentage and a .373 on-base percentage in 31 games.

Stewart is the ninth player in Reds’ history to win the award, joining teammate Spencer Steer (May 2023); Jonathan India (July 2021); Aristides Aquino (August 2019); Billy Hamilton (June 2014); Todd Frazier (August 2012); Joey Votto (September 2008); Josh Hamilton (April 2007); and Austin Kearns (May 2002).

The Miami, Florida native ranked first among qualified rookies in RBI and total bases; second in home runs, hits and OPS; third in walks; and fourth in batting average and runs scored.

The first-round selection in the 2022 Draft became the first in Reds’ franchise history to record 32 hits and 29 RBI in March/April. He also joined Hall of Famer Johnny Bench (July 1970) as the only Reds to reach those marks in a month while being aged 22-or- younger.

The Westminster High School product became just the fifth player aged 22-or-younger in Reds’ franchise history to record 65-or-more total bases in a month, joining Bench, Adam Dunn, Vada Pinson and Hall of Famer Frank Robinson. Stewart also became the 12th player in MLB history aged 22-or-younger to record at least 65 total bases, nine homers and 29 RBI in a month.

Stewart’s 29 RBI through March and April set a new franchise record for a Reds hitter prior to May since the stat became official in 1920. The award might feel a bit hollow for Stewart as it comes after an 0-for-19 skid in his last five games. A full baseball season is 162 games for a reason. Ups and downs are going to come. Adjustments are going to be made. Stewart nearly tied Sunday’s game on the game’s final swing before the ball was caught in the middle of the warning track in left.