According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the Cincinnati Reds are set to call up top prospect Sal Stewart. Earlier on Sunday, the team designated Connor Joe for assignment, and after he cleared waivers, he was outrighted to Triple-A, opening a spot on the 40-man roster. Stewart, who isn’t currently on the 40-man roster, will need to be added before his promotion becomes official.
During spring training, Stewart stated that his goal for 2025 was to reach the majors. Despite not having played above A-ball at the time, he quickly advanced to Double-A, where he led the league in batting average and ranked in the top 10 in nearly every offensive category except stolen bases. After 80 games, he earned a promotion to Triple-A.
Since joining Louisville, Stewart has actually improved at the plate compared to his performance in Chattanooga. Over 38 Triple-A games, he’s slashed .315/.394/.629. Across both levels this season, he’s totaled 34 doubles and 20 home runs in 118 games.
Defensively, Stewart has primarily played third base but has also seen limited time at second and first. While he fields cleanly and throws accurately, his limited range makes second base a tough fit at the major league level. Third base is more forgiving in that regard, but with only two career starts at first, he’s unlikely to be used there right now. Fortunately, the designated hitter spot in the National League gives the Reds flexibility to get his bat in the lineup regardless of his defensive position.
What’s puzzling is why the Reds waited so long to bring him up. The team has had a rough time scoring throughout the month, while Stewart has been on fire—hitting for power, making consistent contact, spraying the ball all over the field, and launching 430+ foot homers. Despite that, they left him in Triple-A while much of the big-league roster struggled offensively.
Instead, they waited until roster expansion in September—and after going 2-8 and falling to a .500 record—before finally promoting their hottest (and possibly most talented) minor league hitter. If he isn’t added to the roster by midnight, and the Reds somehow make the playoffs, he won’t even be eligible unless another player is injured and Stewart takes their spot.
