The Cincinnati Reds have a true power threat waiting in Triple-A, the kind of bat that could inject life into an offense that’s been utterly lifeless.
This August, the Reds own a dreadful 78 wRC+, better only than the Cleveland Guardians.
Meanwhile, prospect Sal Stewart is crushing baseballs in Louisville — including a 460-foot blast in a two-homer game — leaving many to wonder why he’s still in the minors while the Reds chase a playoff berth.
Across Double-A and Triple-A this season, Stewart is slashing .309/.382/.524 with 19 home runs and 17 steals.
Since reaching Triple-A, he’s been even more dominant, posting a .317/.396/.650 line with 9 homers in just 32 games.
Roster expansion arrives September 1, but Cincinnati’s sputtering lineup can’t afford to wait. Whether it’s replacing Spencer Steer at first base (.185/.270/.354 in August), Matt McLain at second (.484 OPS in August), or filling the DH role left open by Tyler Stephenson’s thumb injury, there are plenty of ways to get Stewart’s bat in the order.
Ke’Bryan Hayes has stabilized third base with an .805 OPS this month, but the rest of the infield is struggling.
If the Reds are serious about making the 2025 playoffs, it’s time to stop wasting one of their best hitting prospects in years in the minors.
If this season is going to belong to the Reds, it needs to start belonging to Sal Stewart — right now.
