In what is likely a precursor for a bigger rookie award at the end of the season, Reds first baseman Sal Stewart has been named the National League Rookie of the Month for August, MLB announced on Thursday, Sept. 3.
In a year where Stewart has repeatedly stamped his name in the team's record books, he now becomes the first rookie in Reds' history to earn Rookie of the Month honors twice.
Stewart also won the award for March/April earlier this season, helping the Reds enter May in first place in the NL Central for the first time in 20 years.
He's the first Red to win the award for August since Aristedes Aquino slugged his way to Rookie of the Month honors in 2019.
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Last month, Stewart hit .304 with eight homers, 21 RBI, 21 runs scored and posted a .530 slugging percentage over 29 games. In the final week of August, Stewart became the 14th rookie in MLB history with 30-plus homers and 100-plus RBI in a single season since 1920. Stewart has an MLB-best 105 RBI this season.
Stewart is the clear-cut favorite to win the National League Rookie of the Year award. He is currently listed at -600 (an implied probability of 85.71%) to win the award, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
"It's remarkable. If I had a vote, he's the Rookie of the Year. But he's not just one of the best rookie hitters. He’s one of the best hitters in the league," Reds closer Emilio Pagán said in Chicago Aug. 28 after Stewart helped lead the Reds to a 10-8 win. “He’s getting stronger going down the stretch, which is really hard for young players to do. You see it every year. A rookie will hit the proverbial wall in August or September. His at-bats just seep to be getting better.”
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Sal Stewart makes more Cincinnati Reds history with latest award
