The Cincinnati Reds are gearing up for the new season with a familiar lineup, but there's an intriguing twist just before Opening Day. The spotlight is on their batting order, where veteran slugger Eugenio Suárez, expected to hold the cleanup spot, has been moved to the No. 5 position. This change comes as top prospect Sal Stewart steps into the No. 4 spot, a move that could shake things up in a big way.
Terry Francona, the Reds' manager, isn't making this decision lightly. "It’s not an indictment on Geno," Francona explained. "Sal's been exceptional on the bases this spring, and I believe Geno will have more RBI opportunities this way."
The strategy here is clear: Francona wants to separate the lineup's two most strikeout-prone hitters, Suárez and Elly De La Cruz. If Stewart can deliver on his promise, this adjustment could energize the entire offense.
Stewart's Rapid Rise
Sal Stewart's journey from a Double-A prospect to a key figure in the Reds' lineup has been nothing short of remarkable. His performance last September, with a .255/.293/.545 slash line over 18 games, set the stage for his explosive spring showing (173 wRC+, 1.065 OPS). It's evident that Suárez's mentorship has been invaluable.
Francona’s focus on strikeouts highlights a crucial aspect of this lineup shuffle. While De La Cruz and Suárez combined for a whopping 71 home runs last year, their contact reliability leaves room for improvement.
De La Cruz had a strikeout rate of over 25% in 2025, with a whiff rate nearing a third of his swings. Suárez's numbers were even more concerning, with a 29.8% strikeout rate and a 33.3% whiff rate.
Stewart, on the other hand, brings a different skill set. Despite a rocky start in his MLB debut, he's turned things around this spring, drawing more walks and reducing strikeouts. His ability to get on base consistently could set up Suárez and capitalize on any opportunities left by De La Cruz.
A Fluid Situation
As with any early-season lineup adjustments, Francona's current setup might evolve. Hot streaks, injuries, or new player additions could shift his strategy. However, this lineup tweak effectively spreads out the risk in the middle of the Reds' order, offering a fresh dynamic to keep an eye on as the season unfolds.
This strategic move by the Reds could very well be the spark they need to maximize their offensive potential. With Stewart’s promising rise and Francona’s calculated adjustments, Cincinnati fans have plenty to be excited about as the season kicks off.