Sal Stewart's monster HR in Reds' win puts him on track for MLB history

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Sal Stewart's monster HR in Reds' win puts him on track for MLB history

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Aug 19, 2026 11:51 PM ET

Making it so the Cincinnati Reds will at least secure a split in their four-game series against the rival St. Louis Cardinals, Sal Stewart further demonstrated why he has an argument to be named the National League Rookie of the Year.

Stewart only recorded one hit on Wednesday night, but it was a big one and proved to be the difference-maker in the Reds' 5-4 win.

Sal Stewart's monster HR led the Reds to victory

With his team trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the sixth inning, Stewart smoked a 1-2 count pitch to deep center field.

Stewart's three-run blast put the Reds ahead and made him the RBI leader for all of Major League Baseball.

Now with two more RBIs than Cardinals first baseman Alec Burlesson, who ironically was on the opposing side in the game, Stewart has the chance to make history while building his Rookie of the Year case.

Sal Stewart launches one off the batter’s eye to put the @Reds in front pic.twitter.com/RALsCOJBPc
— MLB (@MLB) August 20, 2026

Stewart has a shot at making MLB history

Stewart is now trying to become one of the third rookies ever to lead even a league, let alone all of baseball, in RBIs. He would also be the first to do so in 76 years. Hitting legend Ted Williams was the first to accomplish the feat in 1939, driving in 144 runs during his MLB debut campaign. Walt Dropo then did it himself with the same 144 number in 1950.

Stewart is also pursuing a Reds franchise rookie record

Separate from chasing MLB history, Stewart also has a chance to set a franchise record. He's now in sole possession of second place for the most home runs by a Reds rookie, having surpassed Joey Votto's 24 from 2007 with 27 through Aug. 19.

But Frank Robinson's 38 from 1956 remains in sight if Stewart can get hot in the final month and a half of the season. Stewart pursuing individual goals will also serve to offer something for Reds fans to keep an eye on down the stretch, as their team is out of the race and in last place in the National League Central at 61-66.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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