Sal Stewart's debut for the Cincinnati Reds in the 2026 MLB season was nothing short of electrifying, leaving the Boston Red Sox searching for answers. The rookie first baseman put on a clinic at Great American Ball Park, going 7-for-10 with three walks, three doubles, and a home run over three games.
This remarkable performance caught the attention of MLB researcher Sarah Langs, who highlighted the rarity of Stewart's achievement. Only Barney McCosky in 1939 and Jim Fregosi in 1964 managed to reach base 10 times in their team's first three games at a younger age since 1900. Stewart also became the first Reds player to accomplish this feat since the legendary Barry Larkin did so in 2001.
At 22, Stewart had already shown his potential during a September call-up last year, boasting a .545 slugging percentage with five home runs in just 18 games. However, his disciplined approach at the plate against the Red Sox is what's truly promising for Cincinnati. He matched his walk total from last year's 58 plate appearances, demonstrating growth and maturity.
Stewart's contact was nothing short of explosive, with seven of his 10 batted balls reaching an exit velocity of at least 95 mph. Impressively, he managed all this without a single strikeout.
The series wasn't without its tense moments. On Opening Day, a blistering 110-mph line drive from Roman Anthony struck Stewart on the wrist. Despite the scare, Stewart remained in the game, showing resilience and no signs of injury throughout the weekend.
Reds manager Terry Francona admitted to fearing the worst initially. "I think at first he thought it was broken.
You could tell by the way he acted," Francona shared. "Once the shock wore off, he’s going to be sore.
That was a bullet. I think we dodged a big bullet."
As the Reds prepare to host the Pittsburgh Pirates for a three-game series, all eyes will be on Stewart to see if he can maintain this red-hot form.