Votto Backs Stewart for Rookie of the Year After 31st Homer
During NBC's Sunday Night Baseball broadcast, Joey Votto praised Reds rookie Sal Stewart for his team-first attitude and on-field production. Stewart hit his 31st home run of the season, giving him 104 RBIs, and Votto later posted a three-word endorsement on social media. The rookie's case for the award strengthened after a Cardinals rival landed on the injured list.
Stewart's 31st home run places him in rarefied air as only the 14th rookie ever to reach 30 homers and 100 RBIs in a single season. His production has become a nightly talking point for Reds broadcasts, and Votto's public endorsement adds a notable voice to the Rookie of the Year conversation. The injury to Cardinals rival JJ Weatherholt, announced Sunday morning, further clears Stewart's path to the award.
The Reds now shift focus to a Monday home series against San Diego, with Brady Singer taking the mound. Singer carries a 5-12 record and 4.72 ERA into the matchup, seeking improvement after allowing three runs over 5 2/3 innings against the Giants. Cincinnati hopes to open September strong against a Padres club competing for playoff positioning.
Stewart's breakout season could energize the Reds' fanbase and boost local engagement with the team during a pivotal stretch of the schedule. A Rookie of the Year award would raise the franchise's national profile and may influence future attendance, merchandise sales, and media coverage. His success alongside Votto's public backing could also shape how young players are evaluated, emphasizing team-first attitudes as a valued trait in award discussions.