Cincinnati Reds fans are growing increasingly eager as top prospect Sal Stewart edges closer to a major-league call-up. The 21-year-old has adapted seamlessly to Triple-A, posting a .337/.400/.674 line in his first 23 games with the Louisville Bats.
Stewart isn’t the only Bats player on fire. In the past two weeks, Ryan Vilade and Rece Hinds have each launched multiple home runs and carry an OPS above 1.000. Their chances of getting promoted are boosted by their spots on the Reds’ 40-man roster.
While fans are hoping Stewart could make his MLB debut later this season — possibly as soon as Friday — don’t be surprised if Cincinnati opts to call up Vilade or Hinds instead.
Sal Stewart isn’t the only Reds’ minor league bat who’s raking right now
Throughout the 2025 season, the Reds have frequently moved players along I-71, with the likes of Ryan Vilade, Rece Hinds, Will Benson, and Connor Joe all splitting time between the Major League and Minor League rosters.
To bring Sal Stewart up to the big leagues, Cincinnati will need to open a spot on the 40-man roster. That’s a relatively straightforward task, which could be done by designating Sam Benschoter for assignment or shifting Ian Gibaut to the 60-day injured list.
Ironically, Sal Stewart’s biggest hurdle might not be the 40-man roster but finding consistent playing time. The 21-year-old is naturally a third baseman, yet the Reds’ acquisition of Ke’Bryan Hayes has blocked any chance of Stewart playing his primary position.
Stewart hasn’t played first base professionally, and with Matt McLain, Gavin Lux, and Santiago Espinal occupying second base, opportunities there are also limited. If Cincinnati calls him up, they’ll want him in the lineup every day — a challenge given the current roster makeup.
Ryan Vilade and Rece Hinds, on the other hand, could slide into a reserve or platoon role, making their promotion to the big leagues more likely before Stewart. While fans are eager for Stewart’s debut, the practical reality may delay it despite how promising it looks on paper.
