Sal Stewart is still expected to make the Reds' MLB team out of spring training.
The Cincinnati Reds recently signed Eugenio Suarez to a contract for the 2026 MLB season. Suarez, who has played third base in the past, is expected to primarily DH. He could also see some time at first base. However, what does the Suarez signing mean for top prospect Sal Stewart?
Stewart is a corner infielder who offers extremely enticing offensive potential. Even with Suarez now on the roster, along with third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes and first baseman/outfielder Spencer Steer, Stewart will still likely make the big league ball club out of spring training.
A recent article from Jonathan Mayo, Jim Callis and Sam Dykstra of MLB.com even stated it would be "hard to imagine" Stewart beginning the season in the minor leagues. Unless he has an especially underwhelming spring training, it seems as if Stewart will leave spring training with the Reds in MLB.
Sal Stewart Could Become a Star with Reds
Stewart made his MLB debut in 2025 and immediately impressed despite limited action. In 18 games and 58 total plate appearances, the right-handed hitter recorded five home runs and an .839 OPS. While his .255 batting average and .293 OBP were underwhelming, Stewart still displayed signs of his high offensive ceiling.
Interestingly enough, Stewart's bat-to-ball skills are more highly-regarded than his pure power hitting ability. He still clearly has home run prowess, but Stewart may be a guy who ends up hitting .300 with a good OBP on a consistent basis.
Overall, Stewart is still improving on the defensive side of the ball. He can play multiple positions which helps the Reds, though. It seems likely that Stewart will take over first base duties, but he is capable of helping out at third base as well. Additionally, he could spend some time at DH this season.
The Suarez acquisition gave the Reds another necessary power bat. Meanwhile, Elly De La Cruz is still the best all-around position player on the roster. Stewart could end up being the X-factor in 2026, however. He will surely be among the favorites to win the National League Rookie of the Year.
Even if Stewart did not make the big league ball club immediately out of spring training, he would likely receive an MLB promotion sooner rather than later. With that being said, Stewart is likely on track to spend April and the rest of the 2026 season in Cincinnati with the Reds.