Sal Stewart leads four highly-touted prospects landing on MLB Pipeline's Top 100.
The Cincinnati Reds are building a strong foundation for the future, and MLB Pipeline's preseason Top 100 list proves it.
The organization placed four prospects on the list heading into the 2026 season, showing the depth of talent working its way through the system.
Who Made the Cut?#
Infielder Sal Stewart leads the way at No. 22 after jumping 62 spots from last year.
The 22-year-old corner infielder made his big league debut in September 2025 and slashed .255/.293/.545 with five home runs across 18 games.
He became the youngest player in franchise history to start a postseason game when the Reds faced the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Wild Card Series.
Catcher Alfredo Duno checks in at No. 38 and is considered the catcher of the future for Cincinnati.
The 19-year-old dominated the Florida State League in 2025 and was named league MVP after leading the circuit in home runs (18), RBIs (81), on-base percentage (.430), slugging (.518), doubles (32), walks (95), and runs scored (78).
Shortstop Steele Hall landed at No. 79 after the Reds selected him ninth overall in the 2025 draft.
The 18-year-old has drawn comparisons to Trea Turner and Dansby Swanson due to his speed, defensive ability, and arm strength.
Right-hander Rhett Lowder rounds out the group at No. 86 after falling 51 spots from a year ago.
The 24-year-old missed the entire 2025 season due to injuries but looked healthy during his return to the mound in Arizona Fall League action and is expected to compete for a rotation spot this spring.
Who Could Reach the Majors in 2026?#
Stewart is the most MLB-ready prospect on the list and should be a fixture in the Reds lineup from Opening Day forward.
Manager Terry Francona told fans at Redsfest that the organization does not want to block Stewart after trading Gavin Lux to the Tampa Bay Rays in January.
Lowder also has a clear path to the big leagues if he stays healthy.
Cincinnati needs rotation depth, and the former Wake Forest standout has the command and pitch mix to slot into the back end of the rotation.
Duno and Hall are further away from contributing at the major league level, though Duno could move quickly if he continues to rake at High-A Dayton.
What It Means for Cincinnati#
The Reds finished 83-79 in 2025 and made their first full-season playoff appearance since 2013.
With young stars like Elly De La Cruz, Hunter Greene, and Nick Lodolo already making an impact, the organization hopes these prospects can help push them over the top.
Having four players on the Top 100 puts Cincinnati among the top third of organizations in prospect depth, with Stewart and Lowder poised to make immediate contributions this season.