Reds FeedSal Stewart
1B · Age 22 · Bats Right
Where things stand
Sal Stewart is positioned as the favorite for NL Rookie of the Year after being named a finalist for the MLB Players Choice Awards Outstanding Rookie Award, though his candidacy has faced some criticism despite his strong overall numbers. The Reds first baseman played all 162 games and led NL rookies with 32 home runs and 111 RBIs while also posting 15 stolen bases, though he experienced a significant production decline in September. The organization is considering moving Stewart to third base in future seasons if prospect Carter Graham performs well at Triple-A, a position where Stewart may be more effective.
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Sal Stewart coverage
Reds' Sal Stewart gets a major boost from his peers in NL Rookie of the Year push
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart was named a finalist for the MLB Players Choice Awards Outstanding Rookie Award, competing against St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt and Colorado Rockies first baseman TJ Rumfield. Stewart played all 162 games this season and led NL rookies with 32 home runs and 111 RBIs while posting a .263/.330/.457 slash line with 15 stolen bases. The recognition from his peers suggests Stewart is positioned favorably in the race for the NL Rookie of the Year award, despite some critics pointing to his lower Wins Above Replacement statistics compared to other rookie contenders.
Blog Red MachineThe Reds may be better at finding talent than developing it
The Reds have produced talent that found success elsewhere, with Jake Bauers, Nathaniel Lowe, and Ryan Vilade all contributing to playoff teams after leaving Cincinnati. While the Brewers, Guardians, and Rays have excelled at maximizing low-cost acquisitions, the Reds' core problem appears to be player development rather than talent evaluation. The organization has traded away players like Lowe and Vilade who are now performing well, and has struggled to develop prospects like Noelvi Marte and Edwin Arroyo despite some successes with Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart. Improving the development system would be necessary for Cincinnati to compete with these small-market rivals.
Blog Red MachineASCENT: Cincinnati Reds’ Elly De La Cruz WILL Make All-MLB Team
Elly De La Cruz is positioned to earn his first All-MLB selection after delivering an elite shortstop season, while pitching prospects Sal Stewart and Chase Burns emerge as major award candidates. The episode examines the Reds' critical offseason need to improve their league-worst on-base percentage and questions the current roster construction under general manager Nick Krall. The discussion also covers prospect development in the Arizona Fall League and evaluates potential lineup adjustments to transform Cincinnati's power-heavy offense into a playoff contender.
Locked On RedsPaul Goldschmidt's latest comments could give Reds the perfect mentor for Sal Stewart
Sal Stewart had a historic rookie season for the Reds with over 30 home runs, 100 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases, but he wore down significantly in September and posted poor numbers that month. The article argues that developing Stewart's full potential is more important than addressing other roster gaps, and suggests the Reds should sign 39-year-old Paul Goldschmidt as a mentor. Goldschmidt, a former MVP and seven-time All-Star, recently expressed interest in playing in 2027 and could help Stewart with both defensive fundamentals at first base and professional habits like conditioning and mental toughness.
Blog Red MachineReds' castoff is thriving with Rays and highlights a key offseason need
Ryan Vilade, a utility player the Cincinnati Reds traded to Tampa Bay for cash in November 2025, has emerged as a key contributor for the Rays during their playoff run, including hitting a go-ahead home run in their ALDS Game 3 victory over the Yankees. The Reds acquired Vilade from St. Louis in June 2025 but left him in Triple-A, blocked by Matt McLain and Noelvi Marte, before dealing him away. With the Rays, Vilade played multiple infield and outfield positions across 96 games and posted a -0.1 wins above average, a performance that could have significantly helped Cincinnati's position players, who contributed a third-worst -10 wins above average in 2026. The move highlights a missed opportunity for the Reds, who struggled at non-pitcher positions despite having Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart.
Blog Red MachineWhy the Reds shouldn’t replace Ke’Bryan Hayes in free agency
Ke'Bryan Hayes is struggling offensively for the Reds with a .419 OPS this past season after hitting just .141 in 94 games, and while some have suggested signing free agent Alec Bohm to replace him, the team already has better internal options. Sal Stewart performed well at the plate last season and can play third base, while Spencer Steer, who hit significantly better than Bohm in 2026, is expected to return healthy for spring training after wrist surgery. Given the Reds' limited spending capacity and numerous other roster needs, using resources on a third baseman replacement makes little sense when capable alternatives already exist on the roster.
Redleg NationTy France's desire to stay with Padres is bad news for the Reds
Ty France, who played for the Reds in 2024 before joining the Padres, has expressed his desire to re-sign with San Diego after posting a career-best .865 OPS and winning a Gold Glove at first base. The Reds had considered pursuing France as a free agent to upgrade their infield, potentially moving Sal Stewart to third base, but his commitment to the Padres makes him unlikely to return to Cincinnati. Even if France reaches the open market, the Padres have 19 free agents to address and may prioritize starting pitching, while France would likely command significant money in a competitive bidding war that the Reds cannot match.
Blog Red MachineReds Notebook: Winter League Baseball could make a difference
The Cincinnati Reds' disappointing 2026 season saw most of their young prospects struggle at the plate, with only Sal Stewart and Elly De La Cruz producing consistently. Players like Noelvi Marte, Edwin Arroyo, Hector Rodriguez, and Carlos Jorge failed to translate minor league success to the majors, with Marte's chase rate on pitches outside the strike zone jumping from 29% in his 2023 debut to 41% in 2026. Several of these players are expected to play in winter leagues in their home countries this offseason to work on their hitting approach and pitch recognition. Top prospect catcher Alfredo Duno will play in the Venezuelan Winter League for the first time after finishing 2026 in Double-A, as the Reds prepare for the likely departure of Tyler Stephenson to free agency.
Redleg NationCarter Graham just gave Reds another reason to move Sal Stewart to third base
Carter Graham earned MLB Pipeline's offensive prospect of the year award for the Cincinnati Reds organization after a breakout 2026 season in which he doubled his walk rate to 14.5% and hit 29 home runs, more than his entire previous professional total. Originally drafted from Stanford in 2023, Graham struggled with strikeouts early in his career but made significant improvements that earned him a promotion to Double-A Chattanooga. If Graham performs well at Triple-A in 2027, he could occupy first base and allow Sal Stewart to move to third base, a position where Stewart is more effective and where the Reds have lacked offensive production.
Blog Red MachineSPOTLIGHT: Why Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart DESERVE Hank Aaron Award Attention for Reds
The episode examines Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart's Hank Aaron Award nominations and their potential to anchor the Reds' offense going forward, with host Steven Offenbaker crediting manager Terry Francona for accelerating Stewart's development while questioning whether supporting players can sustain their contributions. The discussion also covers MLB's proposal to shorten the season to 154 games, analyzing how scheduled rest days could benefit star players like De La Cruz and whether playoff expansion might give Cincinnati a competitive advantage despite the reduction in games.
Locked On RedsSal Stewart gets picked apart while Munetaka Murakami gets praised (and Reds fans know why)
White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami has garnered widespread media praise for his postseason performance and clubhouse presence, while Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart has faced persistent criticism despite similar offensive and defensive statistics. Stewart remains the favorite for NL Rookie of the Year despite a September production decline, but his candidacy has been challenged by some who point to New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge. The disparity in media coverage stems largely from the Reds' poor 2026 season finish in the NL Central, while the White Sox's playoff success has elevated Murakami's profile and made them a postseason storyline.
Blog Red MachineBreakout Reds prospects at every position ahead of crucial offseason
The Cincinnati Reds have several prospects who made significant strides in 2026, led by rookie Sal Stewart, who became an All-Star and led the team in home runs and RBI while likely earning NL Rookie of the Year honors. Other standout prospects include 19-year-old shortstop Jirvin Morillo, who hit .303 with a 139 wRC+ in his first stateside season, and 25-year-old Carter Graham, who batted .300 with 29 home runs and 93 RBI across High-A and Double-A levels. The Reds are expected to add Graham and outfielder Carlos Sanchez to their 40-man roster in the coming weeks as both have become Rule 5 eligible and demonstrated strong enough production to warrant protection.
Blog Red MachineReds could make one major position change to boost their offense in 2027
The Cincinnati Reds need to address third base for 2027, as Ke'Bryan Hayes has become a liability at the plate despite his excellent defense. The free-agent market for third basemen is weak, and the Reds' bottom-ranked farm system limits their ability to acquire a cost-controlled player via trade. One solution is moving Sal Stewart from first base to third base, where he played primarily in the minors and posted neutral defense in 306⅔ innings this season, while his 30-homer bat would be a significant upgrade over Hayes. This move would require finding a first baseman, but the free-agent pool at that position is deeper, with options including Jake Bauers, Ty France, Nathaniel Lowe, and Rhys Hoskins.
Blog Red MachineCHAOS: Cincinnati Reds DOUBLE DOWN on Failed Philosophy—Can Chris Veleka FIX Anything?
The Cincinnati Reds are retaining hitting coach Chris Veleka despite the team posting baseball's worst offense in 2026, raising questions about whether general manager Nick Krall's commitment to a contact-heavy approach can finally turn things around. The episode examines the organization's roster construction decisions, the performance of key players like Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart, and whether manager Terry Francona can build a functional lineup that matches the team's stated philosophy. With mounting frustration from fans and a front office reluctant to acknowledge systemic problems, the Reds face a critical 2027 season to prove their offensive strategy works or risk continued disappointment.
Locked On RedsReds infielder Sal Stewart named to the 2026 All-Rookie team
Reds infielder Sal Stewart earned a spot on MLB Pipeline's 2026 All-Rookie team as a designated hitter after a standout season. The 22-year-old played all 162 games, made the All-Star team, and finished with a .263/.330/.457 batting line, 32 home runs, and 111 RBIs—a new franchise rookie record and third-most in baseball. Stewart's 32 homers ranked third among rookies, behind Chicago's Munetaka Murakami (35) and Toronto's Kazuma Okamoto (33), making them the first three rookies to each hit 30-plus homers in the same season. Stewart's Rookie of the Year candidacy will be decided after the World Series, competing against players like Mets pitcher Nolan McLean.
Redleg NationStewart lands on Pipeline’s All-Rookie Team
MLB.com RedsTwo Cincinnati Reds hitters are Hank Aaron Award Finalists
Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart of the Cincinnati Reds were named finalists for the Hank Aaron Award, which honors the best overall offensive performer in each league. De La Cruz had a breakout season with a .283 average, 30 home runs, 30 stolen bases, and an .880 OPS across 143 games, ranking among the league leaders in multiple offensive categories. Stewart played all 162 games and contributed 32 home runs and 111 RBIs, the second-most in the National League. Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs appears to be the frontrunner for the award after leading the league in runs scored, home runs, slugging percentage, OPS, and OPS+.
Redleg NationSal Stewart’s latest honor should silence his Rookie of the Year doubters
Sal Stewart of the Cincinnati Reds was named a finalist for the 2026 Hank Aaron Award, joining teammate Elly De La Cruz in receiving the honor that recognizes the best overall offensive performer in each league. Stewart finished his rookie season with a .263/.330/.457 slash line, 32 home runs, and 112 RBIs, though his performance declined in September after earning Rookie of the Month in August. As the only rookie nominated for the Hank Aaron Award in either league, Stewart's selection adds credibility to his candidacy for the National League Rookie of the Year award, which will be decided in early November despite ongoing debate among fans about his worthiness compared to other rookie candidates.
Blog Red MachineReds' rookie Sal Stewart shares a key trait with Brewers' star Jackson Chourio
Jackson Chourio of the Milwaukee Brewers hit a walk-off two-run single in the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres on Sunday to give the Brewers a 2-0 lead in their NLDS series. Cincinnati Reds rookie Sal Stewart and Chourio share a tendency to perform well in high-pressure situations, though their regular season statistics differ slightly—Stewart hit .263 with 32 home runs and 111 RBIs while Chourio batted .291 with 25 home runs and 75 RBIs. Both players have demonstrated clutch hitting ability, with Stewart performing particularly well during Cincinnati's Wild Card Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2025, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs in Game 2 after being inserted into the starting lineup.
Blog Red MachineReds Announce Coaching Updates
The Reds dismissed pitching coach Derek Johnson and assistant hitting coach Will Remillard as manager Terry Francona's staff undergoes changes heading into the offseason. The team ranked last in wRC+ and fourth-fewest in runs scored this season, prompting the organization to seek a more experienced hitting coach despite the offensive contributions of Elly De La Cruz and rookie Sal Stewart. On the pitching side, the Reds are interviewing external candidates rather than promoting from within, signaling they may not hire internal candidates Matt Tracy or Oscar Marin for the pitching coach position. The lineup is expected to remain largely intact next season, with catcher Tyler Stephenson entering free agency and third baseman Eugenio Suarez's mutual option unlikely to be exercised.
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