The Cincinnati Reds have officially called up top prospect Sal Stewart, signaling a potential shift in the team’s timeline as they look to spark a struggling offense. The 21-year-old third baseman was promoted from Double-A Chattanooga after tearing up the Southern League and capturing the attention of fans and front office alike.
Stewart, a former first-round pick and top-100 prospect, has been one of the brightest stars in the Reds’ farm system this season. In 43 games at Double-A, he hit .331/.392/.479 with a 152 wRC+, earning Southern League Player of the Week honors and drawing rave reviews for his polished approach at the plate.
A Needed Jolt for the Reds’ Offense
With Cincinnati hovering around .500 and unable to find consistency at the plate, Stewart’s promotion comes at a critical time. The Reds currently sit just outside the top 10 in scoring but have struggled to sustain momentum. Injuries — including to Noelvi Marte — have left a hole at third base, and Stewart is expected to fill that gap immediately.
While the Reds have traditionally taken a conservative path with top prospects, Stewart’s rapid development and consistent production have fast-tracked his ascent. His improved contact, growing power, and newfound aggression at the plate have made him hard to ignore.
What to Expect
Stewart’s promotion also signals confidence in his readiness despite limited experience at Double-A. Though he logged fewer than 200 plate appearances at the level, his performance left little doubt. Reds manager Terry Francona acknowledged that while the original plan was to take things slow, Stewart “forced our hand.”
“He’s earned it,” Francona said. “We’re not asking him to save the season — just to play his game and help us win.”
Stewart will debut at third base in the upcoming home series, with Reds fans hopeful that his bat can inject life into a lineup in need of energy and results. If his minor league success translates, he could become a fixture in Cincinnati for years to come.
The Future Starts Now
There’s no denying Stewart’s star potential. While it remains to be seen how quickly he adapts to major league pitching, the Reds are betting on his poise, power, and upside. For a team stuck in neutral, his arrival offers something they’ve sorely lacked all season: hope.
