Slim, Trim Stewart Aims to Secure Reds' First Base Job

Prospect Sal Stewart lost 26 pounds in the offseason, hoping to prove his defensive abilities at first base.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Sal Stewart, the Reds' top prospect and No. 22 overall, is looking to win the starting first base job after a tough playoff error last season. Stewart spent the offseason slimming down, dropping 26 pounds, and is confident his improved athleticism will translate to better defense at first base. The Reds' signing of Eugenio Suárez could open up the first base position for Stewart, who is eager to prove he can be a middle-of-the-order power threat in his first full Major League season.

Why it matters

Stewart's development is crucial for the Reds as they look to build a contending team around their top prospects. His ability to solidify first base defensively and provide offensive production could be a key factor in the team's success. The Reds are hoping Stewart's offseason work will help him overcome the defensive struggles he faced in his September call-up last year.

The details

After a tough error in the playoffs last season, Stewart spent the offseason focused on improving his defense at first base. He dropped 26 pounds, going from 224 to 198 pounds, in an effort to become more athletic and agile around the bag. Stewart was initially concerned the weight loss would impact his power, but he's confident his swing will remain compact and tight. Reds manager Terry Francona and his staff have been impressed with Stewart's improved movement and athleticism in the field.

  • In September 2025, Stewart was promoted to the Reds and made his MLB debut.
  • During the 2025 National League Wild Card Series, Stewart committed a costly error at first base that led to a four-run rally and the Reds' elimination.
  • Over the offseason, Stewart dropped 26 pounds to get into the "best shape of his life."

The players

Sal Stewart

The Reds' top prospect and No. 22 overall prospect, Stewart is looking to win the starting first base job in 2026 after making his MLB debut in September 2025.

Terry Francona

The Reds' manager, Francona has been impressed with Stewart's improved athleticism and movement at first base after his offseason weight loss.

Brad Meador

The Reds' general manager, Meador acknowledged the team should have provided Stewart with more first base reps in the minors before his MLB promotion.

Eugenio Suárez

The Reds' new signing, Suárez will get time at DH, first base, and third base, which are also Stewart's positions, potentially opening up the first base job for Stewart.

Spencer Steer

Last year's primary first baseman for the Reds, Steer is slated to move to left field while also seeing time around the infield.

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What they’re saying

“It haunted me the whole offseason. I'm excited to get back out there and prove I can be that defender. Everyone always has this notion that I don't defend. And you look at all my Minor League stats and they say otherwise. The numbers speak for themselves sometimes. Everyone knows what I can do defensively. I'm excited to show that out there.”

— Sal Stewart (mlb.com)

“When you think back on it, that was so unfair to him. And we knew it, so did he. That's a big ask. He handled himself fine. He'll be OK.”

— Terry Francona, Manager (mlb.com)

“We've tried to avoid that, and that's why we've played guys in multiple positions in the Minor Leagues. [Stewart] shot through the system so fast that we weren't able to get him first base reps like we probably should have.”

— Brad Meador, General Manager (mlb.com)

“I'm really confident that losing this weight won't change anything. As long as my swing stays compact and tight, the power won't go anywhere.”

— Sal Stewart (mlb.com)

“Listening to the coaches talk, he was moving really good. That's what we care about. When you see him, you could see he put the work in, but when you watch him move, that's what our goal was.”

— Terry Francona, Manager (mlb.com)

What’s next

The Reds will continue to evaluate Stewart's progress at first base throughout spring training, with the goal of him winning the starting job on Opening Day.

The takeaway

Stewart's offseason work to improve his athleticism and defense at first base could be a game-changer for the Reds, who are counting on him to solidify the position and provide middle-of-the-order production. If he can build on his September call-up and prove himself defensively, Stewart could be a key piece of the Reds' future contending team.