Cincinnati Reds top prospect Sal Stewart has been on an absolute tear since his promotion to Triple-A Louisville, consistently showcasing the kind of offensive firepower that has Reds fans buzzing about his future in the big leagues. The 21-year-old third baseman has been punishing opposing pitchers, carrying a remarkable .312 batting average, a .394 on-base percentage, and a .638 slugging percentage through his first 37 games at the level. Even more impressive, Stewart has already racked up 25 extra-base hits in that span, proving that his bat has both contact and power potential.
Unsurprisingly, excitement among Reds fans is reaching a boiling point. Many believe that Stewart has done more than enough to earn a look in Cincinnati, especially as the team continues its push toward contention. But while the fan base may be anxious, Stewart himself is taking a more measured approach. He understands that his opportunity will come, and rather than worrying about the timing of a call-up, he’s keeping his focus on steady improvement.
“Oh man, it means everything to me,” Stewart told MiLB.com. “I’ve been working my whole life for this, and it’s right in front of me. I see a lot of playoff appearances in the future, and I know what I can bring to the table. I am confident in what I do and who I am, and when that time comes, I’ll be ready to go out and play to win.”
For Stewart, the mission is clear—get better every day. He isn’t letting the hype or speculation cloud his mindset, staying grounded in his development and preparation. That level of maturity, paired with his on-field production, only adds to the excitement surrounding him.
At just 21 years old, Stewart already exudes confidence well beyond his years. With his consistent bat, work ethic, and ability to rise to the moment, it feels less like a question of if he’ll make an impact in Cincinnati, and more like when. The Reds may be cautious about rushing him, but the trajectory he’s on makes it almost inevitable that fans will see Stewart in a Reds uniform sooner rather than later—ready to contribute and help the club chase postseason glory.
