Is Stewart Cincinnati's next breakout star?
Cincinnati Reds top prospect Sal Stewart is not waiting for anyone to hand him a roster spot this spring.
The 22-year-old infielder sat down with FOX19 during spring training and said something that sums up his entire approach to the game.
"I never want something given to me," Stewart said. "When I signed, I told everyone I'm going to earn whatever I get."
That kind of mindset is exactly what Cincinnati needs heading into a season full of expectations, and Stewart is backing it up with his bat so far in Arizona.
Through the early portion of the Cactus League schedule, Stewart has posted a 1.098 OPS through 13 plate appearances and has shown off the kind of raw power that made him the Reds' first-round pick back in 2022.
A Bat That Speaks for Itself
The highlight of Stewart's spring so far came on February 26 against the White Sox, when he crushed a 440-foot home run to straightaway center field off a 95 mph fastball.
The ball came off his bat at 108 mph, and veteran teammate Nathaniel Lowe said it looked like Stewart got jammed on the pitch but still sent it deep.
That blast came just a day after Stewart went yard again in a game against the Padres, hitting a solo shot to center field in the second inning.
He has looked comfortable from the start, and the Reds are sitting at 4-4 in spring training as of March 2 with plenty of baseball still ahead of them.
Stewart made his big league debut last September and showed right away that he belonged, slashing .255/.293/.545 with five home runs across 18 games.
He became the youngest player in Reds history to record a postseason hit when he went 2-for-4 with four RBIs in two Wild Card Series games against the Dodgers.
Why Stewart Could Be Cincinnati's Breakout Star
There are a lot of reasons to believe Stewart is on the edge of something big.
Manager Terry Francona has repeatedly called him one of the most advanced young hitters he has ever seen, and Stewart's teammates seem to feel the same way.
Spencer Steer recently said he would be shocked if Stewart does not win the National League Rookie of the Year award this season.
What makes Stewart's case even more exciting is the work he put in this offseason.
He dropped 26 pounds to improve his durability and athleticism, and he has been grinding at first base with infield coach Freddie Benavides to get more comfortable at a position he only started learning at the tail end of last year.
Stewart told reporters that his dream is to play for 20 years, and the weight loss was about putting himself in the best position to make that happen.
The Reds brought back Eugenio Suarez this winter to add power to the middle of the lineup, and with Ke'Bryan Hayes locked in at third base, Stewart's path to everyday at-bats likely runs through first base and designated hitter.
That setup could work out perfectly for everyone involved, and Cincinnati is counting on the duo of Stewart and Suarez to provide the pop that the offense needs.
Earning It Every Day
Stewart still has work to do before Opening Day, but so far this spring, he has looked like a player who is ready for a full season in the big leagues.
Ranked No. 22 on MLB Pipeline's prospect list and carrying the confidence of a team that believes in him, Stewart is not just talking about earning his spot.
He is showing it with every swing.