Sal Stewart’s path to the big leagues has been shaped by some serious star power - and in 2026, the Cincinnati Reds rookie is adding another name to that list. Growing up in Miami, Stewart trained alongside big leaguers like Manny Machado and Yonder Alonso.
Machado even called him a protégé and sent a video message when Stewart got the call to the majors last September. That’s not your average welcome to The Show.
Now, as Stewart gears up for his first full MLB season, he’s got another vet in his corner - literally. Stewart switched from jersey No. 43 to No. 27 this spring, which just so happens to put his locker right next to Eugenio Suárez, who wears No.
- And for a young infielder trying to find his footing, there aren’t many better locker neighbors than Geno.
“I’m excited to get to know him and learn from him as much as I can,” Stewart said. “How fortunate am I to have somebody like that right next to my locker to talk to and ask questions? I’m super grateful.”
That kind of humility - paired with his talent - is exactly why the Reds are betting big on Stewart this season.
A Shared Role, A Shared Journey
Suárez and Stewart aren’t just locker mates - they’re sharing a job description, too. Both are natural third basemen, but the Reds are asking them to get comfortable all over the diamond.
This spring, they’ll be splitting time between third, first base, and designated hitter duties. Stewart started learning first base late last season, and now he’ll be thrown into the fire, with Suárez helping to show him the ropes.
It’s a smart setup. With Suárez’s power bat and veteran presence, the Reds can keep his legs fresh by slotting him in as the primary DH.
That opens up first base reps for Stewart and nudges Spencer Steer into more action in left field. It’s a bit of a shuffle, but with the roster depth the Reds are working with, it’s the kind of flexibility that could pay off in a big way.
Middle of the Order Muscle
Manager Terry Francona has already started sketching out the top of his lineup card. TJ Friedl is locked in as the leadoff guy, and Elly De La Cruz will bring his electric presence to the three-hole. That leaves Suárez likely to bat cleanup - a role he’s more than familiar with - and Stewart could slot in right behind him or even jump up to the two spot, depending on how things shake out in camp.
That kind of trust in a rookie speaks volumes. Stewart isn’t just here to get his feet wet - he’s expected to contribute, and contribute now.
The Reds are looking for him and Suárez to bring some serious thump to the heart of the order. And if Stewart can channel even a fraction of the veteran savvy Suárez brings to the table, Cincinnati’s lineup could be one of the more quietly dangerous groups in the National League.
Learning from a Pro
Suárez won’t be around for the entire spring - he’ll be suiting up for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic - but his locker will be waiting when he returns. And for Stewart, those conversations, those little day-to-day moments, could be just as valuable as any on-field drill.
It’s one thing to have a mentor in the offseason. It’s another to have one in the next locker over, walking the same path, facing the same challenges, and willing to share what he’s learned.
For Sal Stewart, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of growth. And with Eugenio Suárez in his corner, he’s got the perfect guide for the journey.