Reds Prospect Sal Stewart Has the Bat-Now He’s Working on the Rest
Sal Stewart got just a taste of big-league pitching last season, but it was enough to turn heads in Cincinnati. The 21-year-old slugger didn’t waste time making an impression, flashing the kind of offensive upside that has the Reds organization buzzing about what’s to come in 2026 and beyond.
After torching minor league arms for most of 2025-posting a combined .309/.383/.524 slash line across Double-A and Triple-A-Stewart earned a September call-up and kept the momentum going. In just 55 at-bats, he launched five homers, drove in eight runs, and slugged a robust .545. That’s not just a hot streak-that’s a young hitter showing he can hang with major league pitching right out of the gate.
But as good as the bat looks, the question now shifts to where Stewart fits in defensively. And that’s where things get a little more complicated.
The Bat Is Ready-But Where Does He Play?
Stewart is primarily a third baseman, but that road is blocked for now. Ke’Bryan Hayes, one of the best gloves in the game, is already locked in at the hot corner.
First base? That’s occupied too, with Spencer Steer-another Gold Glove-caliber defender-holding it down.
Stewart did see some time at first during his brief MLB stint, but with both corners spoken for, the Reds will need to get creative.
There’s always the designated hitter spot, and given that Stewart’s bat is his calling card, that could be the most straightforward path to playing time. But the Reds aren’t ready to pigeonhole him just yet.
In a recent appearance on the team’s radio show, Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall shared some insight into Stewart’s offseason focus-and it’s clear the young slugger is putting in the work to expand his role.
“He’s in better shape,” Krall said. “That’s his goal this offseason-to come to camp in good baseball shape.
Whether it’s lose weight, get faster, get more agile in the field… Sal Stewart’s 21 years old. There’s a lot of baseball ahead of him.”
That’s not just lip service. It signals that the Reds see more than just a bat-first prospect. If Stewart can improve his agility and versatility, he could become a much more valuable piece of the puzzle in 2026.
A Shifting Roster Could Open Doors
The Reds’ infield is already stacked with young, athletic talent. Hayes is a defensive anchor at third, Elly De La Cruz brings elite range at shortstop, and Noelvi Marte continues to develop at his own pace. But beyond that core, things are wide open.
Payroll flexibility is limited, so unless the Reds make a surprise splash this offseason, they’ll likely rely on internal options to fill out the rest of the lineup. That could mean more opportunities for Stewart, especially if he shows up to spring training in peak condition.
Krall pointed to Steer’s own defensive evolution as a blueprint. Originally seen as a bat-first infielder, Steer worked his way into becoming a Gold Glove finalist at first base-and even showed the ability to handle left field.
Stewart could follow a similar path. If he can handle multiple positions-maybe even second base or a corner outfield spot-his bat becomes even more valuable.
2026 Could Be the Launchpad
Heading into the offseason, Stewart was widely viewed as the frontrunner for the Reds’ first base job. But if his offseason work translates into more speed and agility, that projection could shift dramatically. Instead of being locked into one position, Stewart could become a plug-and-play option across the field-and a key piece in a lineup that’s still taking shape.
At just 21 years old, Stewart has time on his side. The bat is already big-league ready.
Now, it’s about rounding out the rest of his game. If he shows up in February looking leaner, quicker, and more flexible defensively, the Reds will have no choice but to find a spot for him-somewhere, anywhere-in the everyday lineup.
Because when a young hitter shows this much promise, you don’t leave that kind of talent on the bench. You find a way to get the bat in the lineup. And if Stewart keeps trending the way he is, the Reds may have found themselves a cornerstone for years to come.