The Cincinnati Reds appear close to promoting their top prospect, Sal Stewart — and it’s easy to see why. The 21-year-old infielder has been tearing up minor league pitching all year, and his move to Triple-A Louisville hasn’t slowed him down at all.
Stewart is hitting .337/.400/.674 with 12 doubles and six home runs, numbers that clearly suggest he’s ready for the big leagues. Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall recently hinted that Stewart will start getting work at first base, adding another option to Cincinnati’s infield mix.
Already a regular at third base with occasional appearances at second, Stewart’s versatility makes him a valuable asset the team can use in multiple spots.
Sal Stewart’s call-up should target Reds’ weakest infield bat
First base isn’t where the Reds’ biggest offensive weakness lies. While Spencer Steer’s .238/.300/.394 slash line with 14 homers, 57 RBIs, and 0.4 WAR isn’t anything special, he’s been serviceable. His power shows up, he drives in runs, and he can deliver in clutch moments. On top of that, he plays elite defense at first.
The real problem has been Matt McLain. His 2025 campaign has been a season-long struggle to “find it again,” but the turnaround hasn’t come. By mid-August, he’s batting .224/.304/.339 with 11 homers and just 39 RBIs — a .643 OPS from a second baseman expected to be both a table-setter and a run producer.
Although McLain’s average has inched up to .257 in August, it’s paired with only 3 RBIs for the month and 13 strikeouts. This isn’t a slump anymore — it’s been the story of his season.
If the Reds want Sal Stewart to make an immediate difference, putting him at first base simply shifts the issue elsewhere. Sliding him in at second, however, could inject the offensive spark they’ve been missing all year.
Replacing Steer’s production at first wouldn’t change much. Replacing McLain’s at second could be the difference between a late-season push and another October without playoff baseball. Stewart’s defensive flexibility isn’t just a luxury — right now, it’s a chance to fix the one infield spot that’s been holding the lineup back.
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