When the Cincinnati Reds finally called up Sal Stewart, the fanbase was buzzing with excitement and anticipation. And for good reason. In his very first major league game, Stewart wasted no time making an impression, collecting his first big-league hit while going 1-for-3 at the plate. Not too shabby for a 21-year-old who was the Reds’ first-round pick back in 2022.
The Reds aren’t exactly known for throwing around money to keep their stars. Time and again, Cincinnati has watched homegrown talent rise, shine, and eventually price themselves out of town.
But with a farm system that keeps churning out impact players and a young roster already forming the foundation of a contender, Stewart represents the perfect opportunity to break that cycle.