When a team scores no runs on four hits as the Cincinnati Reds did on Thursday, it's usually hard to find silver linings offensively. However, first baseman Sal Stewart kicked off his rookie campaign with two doubles and a single from the cleanup spot.

The 22-year-old spoke on what it meant to be manager Terry Francona's first rookie cleanup hitter on Opening Day in his 25-year career, via FOX 19's Charlie Goldsmith.

“It feels really good to know that Tito has that faith in me,” Stewart said. “That’s a really big compliment. I know that. I definitely don’t take it lightly. I trust Tito. I really do. He is who he is because he knows what he’s doing. Wherever he put me, I would have been happy.”

Francona putting Stewart in that spot is the ultimate compliment, as he's not just any manager. The 66-year-old guided the Boston Red Sox to titles in 2004 and 2007 and won AL Manager of the Year honors with the Cleveland Guardians in 2013, 2016, and 2022. The last time he regularly deployed a rookie at cleanup was Scott Rolen with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1997, his first year as a manager. 

Stewart continued his momentum from spring training, when he slashed .327/.450/.592 with three homers, eight RBIs, and four stolen bases over 20 games. The 6-foot-1, 224-pounder is showing why he's Cincinnati's top prospect and No. 22 overall on MLB Pipeline.

Stewart not only took advantage of the opportunity in the 3-0 loss to the Red Sox, but he did it against elite pitchers. 2025 MLB strikeout leader Garrett Crochet gave up two of the three hits he allowed to the Florida native, and setup man Garrett Whitlock gave up a ground rule double to him in the eighth inning. Whitlock had a 2.25 ERA over 62 outings last season and pitched for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

If Stewart can perform against hurlers of that caliber, only injuries could stop him from being one of MLB's best rookies.

Cincinnati selected Stewart No. 32 overall in Round 1C of the 2022 MLB Draft. Since then, he's been productive at all levels. 

Stewart logged an .851 OPS across eight Rookie League games in 2022 before rising from A-ball to High-A in 2023. He then played 80 High-A games in 2024 and rose from Double-A to the big leagues in 2025. He slashed .289/.390/.466 with 40 homers, 202 RBIs, and 40 stolen bases across 323 career minor-league games and recorded an .839 OPS over 18 MLB contests last season.

If Stewart continues his current trajectory, he could become another cornerstone piece for the Reds alongside shortstop Elly De La Cruz. 

Up next for Cincinnati is a home rematch with Boston on Saturday at 4:10 p.m. ET.