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While the Cincinnati Reds have not had the season fans were hoping for this year, there have still been some bright spots. The biggest one has to be rookie infielder Sal Stewart.
After getting a cup of coffee in 2025 following his September promotion, Stewart proved he belonged in the big leagues immediately. By the time the Reds were in the postseason, he was already in the middle of manager Terry Francona's lineup.
This year he has built upon that success in his first full big-league season. Across 106 games, the 22-year-old corner infielder has posted a .254 batting average, .332 on-base percentage, .807 OPS, 22 home runs and 79 RBIs.
Stewart earned an All-Star selection for his performance during the first half and is the current frontrunner to take home National League Rookie of the Year.
Stewart had an electric performance during Tuesday's first game of a doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians, reaching base four times in five plate appearances including two walks and a home run while collecting three RBIs. His performance was enough to cap off another strong month that placed him in Reds history.
"Sal Stewart is the first Reds rookie to have at least 20 or more RBI in three different calendar months in a season," the Reds wrote on X.
What is most impressive about this accomplishment is how consistent Stewart has been. For being such a young player, he already looks like a seasoned veteran, never getting too high or too low.
While he has not yet played a full season, the Reds should already be looking into a long-term extension, potentially buying out the rest of his arbitration years and a few years of unrestricted free agency.
It is a common theme in today's game for small-market teams to lock up young talent early, and it has become especially prevalent in the National League Central. The Milwaukee Brewers did it this season with Cooper Pratt and Luis Lara, and the St. Louis Cardinals extended JJ Wetherholt as well.
What makes it harder for the Reds is that Stewart is already performing better than those players, meaning the price will likely be higher. Still, locking him up now before his value climbs even further would be a smart move.
To see Stewart performing at this level is no surprise given he was a first-round pick in 2022 and a top prospect before his promotion. Even in a lost year for the Reds, the future looks bright with him leading the way.
Continue reading...
After getting a cup of coffee in 2025 following his September promotion, Stewart proved he belonged in the big leagues immediately. By the time the Reds were in the postseason, he was already in the middle of manager Terry Francona's lineup.
This year he has built upon that success in his first full big-league season. Across 106 games, the 22-year-old corner infielder has posted a .254 batting average, .332 on-base percentage, .807 OPS, 22 home runs and 79 RBIs.
Stewart earned an All-Star selection for his performance during the first half and is the current frontrunner to take home National League Rookie of the Year.
Stewart had an electric performance during Tuesday's first game of a doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians, reaching base four times in five plate appearances including two walks and a home run while collecting three RBIs. His performance was enough to cap off another strong month that placed him in Reds history.
"Sal Stewart is the first Reds rookie to have at least 20 or more RBI in three different calendar months in a season," the Reds wrote on X.
What is most impressive about this accomplishment is how consistent Stewart has been. For being such a young player, he already looks like a seasoned veteran, never getting too high or too low.
While he has not yet played a full season, the Reds should already be looking into a long-term extension, potentially buying out the rest of his arbitration years and a few years of unrestricted free agency.
It is a common theme in today's game for small-market teams to lock up young talent early, and it has become especially prevalent in the National League Central. The Milwaukee Brewers did it this season with Cooper Pratt and Luis Lara, and the St. Louis Cardinals extended JJ Wetherholt as well.
What makes it harder for the Reds is that Stewart is already performing better than those players, meaning the price will likely be higher. Still, locking him up now before his value climbs even further would be a smart move.
To see Stewart performing at this level is no surprise given he was a first-round pick in 2022 and a top prospect before his promotion. Even in a lost year for the Reds, the future looks bright with him leading the way.
Continue reading...
