Imagine a 22-year-old rookie, thrown into the fiery crucible of a playoff race, tasked with mastering a new position on the fly. That’s the story of Sal Stewart, a rising star for the Cincinnati Reds whose work ethic and talent have ignited a buzz that’s hard to ignore. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a player with just 58 big league plate appearances truly be the cornerstone of a team’s future?
Last September, Stewart wasn’t just playing baseball—he was studying it. Arriving at the ballpark hours early to refine his first base skills, a position he had barely played in the minors, Stewart’s dedication was undeniable. Nights were spent poring over YouTube videos of Pete Alonso, dissecting every scoop and stretch. ‘I didn’t want it to be my fault, why they were losing games,’ he admitted, a testament to his accountability. And it paid off. With a .839 OPS in his debut month, Stewart delivered clutch moments against powerhouse teams like the Blue Jays, Mets, Cardinals, and Brewers.
The playoffs showcased his mettle. In Game 1, he sparked a near-comeback with a bases-loaded walk, flipping his bat with passion. Game 2 saw him carry the Reds’ offense with two hits and three RBIs, even as their season ended. ‘He’s a stud,’ teammate Matt McLain declared. ‘He plays with that fire.’
Fast forward to spring training, and Stewart’s energy is infectious. Nicknamed ‘Salbert’—a playful nod to Albert Pujols by teammate Rece Hinds—he’s embraced as the beloved younger brother of the team. ‘Hopefully it can stick through his career,’ Hinds quipped, ‘and I’ll get a little credit for that.’ But the nickname isn’t just a joke; it’s a subtle acknowledgment of Stewart’s potential.
And this is the part most people miss: Stewart’s offseason transformation. Shedding over 25 pounds, he emerged leaner, stronger, and more athletic. His interactions with veterans like Eugenio Suárez, whom he shadows in the batting cage, reveal a sponge-like approach to learning. ‘I’m confident in who I am,’ Stewart asserts, though he’s acutely aware of the challenges ahead. Year 2, as hitting coach Chris Valaika notes, is when pitchers adjust. ‘There will be ups and downs,’ Stewart admits, ‘but I’m confident I’ll be in a good spot.’
Here’s the bold question: Is Stewart’s confidence bordering on arrogance, or is it the mark of a future superstar? His teammates love it, and the Reds’ front office clearly does too, thrusting him into high-pressure situations early. But the error in Game 2 of the playoffs still haunts him, a reminder that even the brightest stars have flaws. ‘It still haunts me,’ he confessed, a rare moment of vulnerability from a player who holds himself to an almost impossible standard.
As Stewart vies for the everyday first baseman role—while also showcasing versatility at second and third—his trajectory is undeniable. But the real test lies ahead. Can he sustain his success as pitchers study his every move? ‘They have info on me, but I have info on them,’ he said, flipping the script on the cat-and-mouse game of baseball. ‘I lace my shoes up just like them.’
The Reds believe in him, and so do his teammates. But the ultimate question remains: Is Sal Stewart the next Albert Pujols, or just another promising rookie who fades into obscurity? Only time will tell. What do you think? Is Stewart destined for greatness, or is the hype overblown? Let’s hear your take in the comments.
