The youth movement in Cincinnati isn’t slowing down. The Reds are set to promote slugging infielder Sal Stewart, their top overall prospect, according to multiple reports. The team hasn’t confirmed the move yet, but all signs point to Stewart joining the big-league club this week.
Reds reportedly set to call up INF Sal Stewart, team’s No. 1 prospect, per MLB’s Mark Sheldon. pic.twitter.com/Xz4RP3lEwD
— MLB (@MLB) August 31, 2025
Dominating at the plate
Stewart, just 21 years old, has been one of the most productive hitters in the minors this season. Splitting time between Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville, he hit .290 with an impressive .907 OPS, 20 home runs, and 17 stolen bases over 118 games. After an already strong showing at Chattanooga, where he carried an .850 OPS in 80 games, Stewart turned it up even more in Louisville. In 38 games there, he posted a 1.023 OPS and showed he was ready for the next step.
A first-round pedigree
The Reds drafted Stewart 32nd overall in the 2022 MLB Draft out of Westminster Christian High School in Miami, a program known for producing high-level talent. Since then, he’s climbed steadily through the system, proving he has the bat to stick in the majors. Scouts view him as a power-first hitter who can drive the ball to all fields, but he’s also added some speed to his game with those 17 steals.
Joining a crowded infield
Stewart now heads to a Reds roster already stacked with young talent. Cincinnati has built one of the most exciting infields in baseball with Elly De La Cruz, Gavin Lux, Matt McLain, and Spencer Steer all in the mix. Stewart’s arrival gives manager David Bell even more flexibility and another dangerous bat to plug into the lineup as the team pushes through the final stretch of the season.
MORE: Breaking: Walker Buehler finds new home in National League for September
Reds in the playoff picture
As of the end of August, the Reds sit just above .500 and remain firmly in the National League Wild Card hunt. They trail the final spot by four games with multiple teams bunched together in the standings. A hot September could easily push Cincinnati into the postseason for the first time since 2020.
The schedule won’t make it easy. Cincinnati will see plenty of division rivals down the stretch, including series with the Cubs, Brewers, and Cardinals. They also have tough matchups against the Blue Jays and Mets, two teams also likely heading to the postseason.
But mixed in are matchups with struggling clubs like the Pirates and Athletics, giving the Reds a chance to make up ground if they take care of business.
A crucial September boost
With the Reds fighting to keep pace in the Wild Card race, Stewart’s promotion couldn’t come at a better time. His power bat adds another weapon to a young roster that has shown flashes of brilliance all season. If he can carry his minor league momentum into September, Cincinnati may have just found the boost it needs to reach October.
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