Sal Stewart

Sal is is one of the most promising young hitters in the Cincinnati Reds organization. The Miami, Florida native was selected 32nd overall in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of Westminster Christian School, where he posted a .514 average with nine home runs as a senior and was named to the All-USA Today High School Baseball Team. He made steady progress through the minors, overcoming a 2024 wrist injury to put together a breakout 2025 campaign that saw him dominate at Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville before making his MLB debut on September 1, 2025. Stewart’s combination of advanced hit tools, power, and on-base ability has quickly made him one of the Reds’ most exciting young bats. At the plate, Stewart has drawn praise for his mature approach and pitch recognition, with scouts lauding his ability to control the strike zone and drive the baseball to all fields. In 2025 between Double-A and Triple-A, he hit .309 with 20 home runs, 80 RBIs and a .907 OPS, showcasing both contact skills and developing power that translates well at higher levels. He also posted a respectable .255 batting average with five homers and eight RBIs in his first taste of major league pitching late in 2025. Due to his offensive performance, Stewart has appeared on many national Top 100 prospect lists and is frequently cited as the #1 prospect in the Reds’ system entering 2026. Defensively, Stewart’s long-term home remains somewhat uncertain. While he has seen time at third base and first base, evaluators question whether his arm and range will profile sustainably at the hot corner in the big leagues. As a result, many project him settling at first base or as a versatile corner bat capable of handling multiple infield spots. Regardless of position, his bat is the foundation of his value — with 60-grade hitting and plus power potential, he profiles as a middle-of-the-order contributor with a high floor for offensive production. As the 2026 season approaches, Stewart is widely expected to compete for regular playing time with Cincinnati’s big league club, with a bright future ahead as one of the organization’s cornerstone young hitters.