There is still a lot of baseball to be played, and it is only mid-July. But it’s possible that the Cincinnati Reds are already anticipating September. One of the Reds’ best prospects, Sal Stewart, is currently in route to Triple-A Louisville and is just one step away from making his Major League debut.
Stewart was one of two Reds representatives at Truist Park on Saturday afternoon for the MLB Futures Game. During the prospect showcase, he came on in the fifth inning and narrowly missed hitting a home run in the only at-bat.
Reds just confirmed a major September call-up after promoting Sal Stewwart to Triple-A
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In September, Major League Baseball rules permit teams to expand their active rosters by two players. This allows clubs to evaluate promising prospects more closely without affecting their rookie eligibility for the following year. Stewart stands out as a strong candidate for a September call-up, and his recent promotion to Triple-A only increases the chances of that happening.
At Double-A Chattanooga this season, Stewart has posted an impressive .306/.377/.473 slash line, along with 10 home runs, 44 RBIs, and a 145 wRC+. He shows great plate discipline with a low 15.5% strikeout rate and surprising speed, recording 13 stolen bases despite his larger frame.
With his move to Triple-A, it will be worth watching where the Reds decide to place him defensively. He’s primarily played third base this year, making 67 starts there, though he’s also had some time at second base. Given Christian Encarnacion-Strand’s presence in Triple-A, Stewart will likely continue to play the hot corner.
Cincinnati’s offense has been inconsistent this season, and if the team doesn’t make impactful moves before the trade deadline, Stewart could provide a spark in the final stretch. If he proves capable at Triple-A, a major league debut may not be far off.
Speaking to Cincinnati reporter Charlie Goldsmith last week, Stewart said, “I’m here to make the big leagues this year. I’m confident in what I can do. I know I can help the team win.” How he performs over the next few months could determine whether that goal becomes a reality.