AdminFor weeks, fans and analysts alike had been asking the same question: what are the Reds waiting for with Sal Stewart? Now, the waiting is over. On Sunday afternoon, the Cincinnati Reds officially announced that Stewart, one of the organization’s top hitting prospects, has been promoted from Triple-A Louisville to the Major League roster.
The timing could not be more critical. The Reds’ offense has sputtered throughout the season, and their recent struggles at the plate have left them 2.5 games out of the final National League Wild Card spot with just over a month remaining. By bringing Stewart to the big leagues, Cincinnati is signaling that it’s ready to shake things up in hopes of injecting some much-needed firepower into the lineup.
A Tear Through the Minors
Stewart has done everything possible to force the front office’s hand. Since being promoted to Triple-A in mid-July, the 21-year-old has been unstoppable, slashing .317/.396/.650 with 13 doubles and nine home runs across 32 games. On Saturday night, he capped off his dominant stretch with a two-homer performance, one of which traveled 460 feet—the longest home run hit by any Reds player, at any level, this season.
Add that to his full-season numbers—32 doubles, 19 homers, and just a 15.8% strikeout rate over 112 games—and it’s clear Stewart has little left to prove in the minors.
Where He Fits in Cincinnati
Defensively, Stewart has primarily played third base, but the Reds’ acquisition of Ke’Bryan Hayes at the trade deadline solidified that spot. Still, Stewart’s versatility gives manager Terry Francona options. He’s played some second base and even a handful of games at first, but the universal designated hitter role may be the most immediate fit.
With the Reds lacking a consistent DH presence, Stewart’s bat could immediately slot into the middle of the lineup and provide balance to a team desperate for run production.
A Bold Step in a Tight Race
The decision to call Stewart up also carries postseason implications. By promoting him before September 1, the Reds make him eligible for the playoff roster—an important factor as the club fights to return to the postseason for the first time since 2020.
“Sal has earned this,” Francona said in a team statement. “He’s worked hard, he’s developed well, and he’s been producing at a high level. We believe he can help us right now.”
The Next Chapter
For Reds fans, this promotion is more than just a roster move—it’s a glimpse of the future arriving in real time. Stewart has been one of the most talked-about prospects in the system, and his debut will be watched closely not only for what it means in 2025 but for what it could signal about the next era of Reds baseball.
With 32 games left and playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the Reds are betting big on their young slugger to make an immediate impact.
The wait is over. Sal Stewart is coming to Cincinnati.
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