The Cincinnati Reds are making their move. With the postseason picture still within reach and offensive inconsistency lingering, the team is reportedly set to promote one of the most anticipated prospects in recent memory—Sal Stewart—to the major leagues for the second half of the 2025 season.
Stewart, the 21-year-old third baseman, has been nothing short of brilliant since being selected 32nd overall in the 2022 MLB Draft out of Westminster Christian School in Florida. Known for his polished hitting profile, Stewart turned down a scholarship offer to powerhouse Vanderbilt in order to begin his professional career—and he’s been climbing ever since.
Across more than 1,200 minor league plate appearances, Stewart has maintained an impressive .389 on-base percentage, backed by a strong showing in 2025 where he’s slashing .306/.377/.473. He spent most of the year at Double-A Chattanooga before recently earning a promotion to Triple-A Louisville. His momentum continued on a national stage, where he represented the Reds in the 2025 MLB All-Star Futures Game.
Now, as the Reds gear up for a critical second half, they’re turning to Stewart to help address glaring weaknesses—particularly at third base. Cincinnati’s third basemen have combined for a 64 wRC+, ranking among the worst in the league. The designated hitter spot hasn’t fared much better, sitting at a mediocre 94 wRC+.
With his smooth right-handed swing, mature plate discipline, and growing power, Sal Stewart brings a bat that the organization hopes can immediately stabilize the lineup and inject new life into a team still fighting for postseason relevance. While the Reds have been reluctant to rush young talent, insiders say Stewart’s consistency and professionalism have fast-tracked him to the doorstep of the majors.
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“We know what kind of hitter he is,” one team source said. “The moment never seems too big for him—and that’s exactly the kind of presence we need right now.”
Fans have been calling for Stewart’s arrival for months, and now the Reds are answering. Though his call-up is seen as a strategic move for a playoff push, there’s little doubt that Stewart is also part of the franchise’s long-term core.
Whether he arrives as a spark plug for the stretch run or as a foundational piece for years to come, one thing is clear—Sal Stewart is coming to Cincinnati, and Reds fans have every reason to be excited.
