Three Reds Prospects to Watch Closely This Spring
Spring Training is here, and while the Cincinnati Reds may not be pegged as early-season favorites, there’s a quiet buzz around camp - and it’s not just the sound of cleats on clay or gloves popping. It’s the anticipation of a new wave of talent, headlined by three young prospects who could shape the future in Cincinnati.
One name is already making waves: Sal Stewart. But he’s not alone.
Let’s break down why Stewart, along with Alfredo Duno and Rhett Lowder, are three players Reds fans should keep a close eye on this spring.
Sal Stewart: Versatility, Power, and a Glimpse of What’s to Come
Sal Stewart enters Spring Training as the Reds’ most intriguing young name - and with good reason. Ranked 22nd among MLB’s top prospects, Stewart has already had a taste of the big leagues, and while it was brief, it was telling.
In two games against the Dodgers late last season, Stewart went 2-for-8 with four RBIs. That’s a small sample size, sure, but it came against a playoff-caliber team and showed he wasn’t overwhelmed by the moment.
Before that, over 18 games, he hit .255 with five homers, eight RBIs, and 11 runs scored. He struck out 15 times and walked just three, so plate discipline is still a work in progress.
But his .839 OPS jumps off the page, especially for a player still adjusting to the highest level.
What makes Stewart especially valuable to the Reds is his versatility. He can handle first, second, or third base - a rare trait for a young hitter with his kind of power.
And with the recent addition of veteran Eugenio Suárez, the Reds won’t have to rush Stewart into an everyday role. That gives him room to develop, find his rhythm, and contribute without the weight of carrying the lineup.
Expect the Reds to use Stewart in multiple roles this season - giving regulars rest, plugging holes when needed, and letting him grow into the game. If there’s one young player in this organization who could make a serious splash in 2026, it’s Stewart.
Alfredo Duno: The Future Behind the Plate
Alfredo Duno isn’t going to break camp with the big-league club, but that doesn’t mean he won’t leave a lasting impression this spring. The 18-year-old catcher is already turning heads and enters camp as the second-best prospect in all of baseball - a lofty title for someone who hasn’t yet played above Class A.
Signed out of Venezuela in 2023 with a reported $3.1 million bonus, Duno has the kind of raw tools that make scouts sit up straight. He’s a rare blend of power and defense behind the plate - a potential franchise catcher in the making. His offensive numbers in the Florida State League were eye-popping, flashing the kind of upside that makes you circle 2027 on the calendar.
For now, Duno is in camp to get a taste of the big-league environment. He’ll work with major league pitchers, soak in the atmosphere, and show the coaching staff what the future could look like. And while he won’t be in Cincinnati this season, his presence in Spring Training is a reminder that the Reds have something special brewing behind the dish.
Rhett Lowder: A Rotation Spot Up for Grabs
Rhett Lowder’s 2025 season didn’t go as planned. Injuries limited him to just five rehab starts in the minors, and the results weren’t what he or the Reds hoped for.
But here’s the thing - Lowder’s potential hasn’t changed. This spring, he gets a fresh start and a real opportunity to prove he belongs.
A former first-round pick with a well-rounded pitch mix, Lowder has already seen time in the majors and knows what it takes to compete at that level. The Reds’ rotation has four spots locked in with Andrew Abbott, Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Brady Singer. That leaves one open - and Lowder is very much in the mix.
He’ll need to show that he’s fully healthy and can consistently throw strikes. But if he does, he’s got the stuff to stick. His ability to mix speeds, change eye levels, and attack hitters with confidence is what made him a top prospect in the first place.
Spring Training will be crucial for Lowder. If he can command the zone and stay on the mound, he could break camp as the Reds’ fifth starter - and potentially never look back.
The Big Picture in Cincinnati
The Reds aren’t just rebuilding - they’re reloading. With Stewart ready to contribute now, Duno waiting in the wings, and Lowder pushing for a rotation spot, this is a franchise with a pipeline worth watching.
Spring Training isn’t just about getting veterans into game shape. It’s about glimpses of the future. And for Cincinnati, that future might be arriving sooner than expected.