Reds' Top Prospect Sal Stewart Slims Down for MLB Dominance

After a tough playoff error, the first baseman is determined to prove his defensive skills at the big league level.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:43am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball player's fielding motion at first base, with sharp, overlapping planes of bright red, navy blue, and white colors representing the Cincinnati Reds' uniform.Sal Stewart's slimmed-down frame and renewed focus on defense could make him a breakout star for the Reds in 2026.Goodyear Today

Sal Stewart, the Cincinnati Reds' top prospect, is ready to make his mark in the majors after a physical transformation that saw him drop 26 pounds. The 22-year-old first baseman is determined to overcome a costly error in last year's playoffs and show he can be a dominant defender at the big league level.

Why it matters

Stewart's rapid rise through the minors and his physical improvements have the Reds excited about his potential to be a middle-of-the-order power threat. With the addition of Eugenio Suárez, who can play multiple positions, the first base job is wide open for Stewart to claim.

The details

After committing a crucial error in the Reds' playoff loss to the Dodgers, Stewart spent the offseason focused on improving his defense. He won the team's 'best shape of his life' contest in December, dropping from 224 pounds to 198 pounds. The weight loss has improved his athleticism, and the Reds are confident he can handle the demands of playing first base at the MLB level.

  • In Game 2 of the National League Wild Card Series against the Dodgers, Stewart committed an error that led to a four-run rally and an 8-4 loss, eliminating Cincinnati.
  • Stewart was promoted to the big leagues on September 1, 2025, having only played two games at first base in Triple-A.
  • In December 2025, Stewart won the Reds' 'best shape of his life' contest, dropping 26 pounds from his listed 6-foot-1, 224-pound frame.

The players

Sal Stewart

The Cincinnati Reds' top prospect and No. 22 overall prospect in MLB, Stewart is a 22-year-old first baseman who is determined to prove his defensive capabilities at the big league level.

Terry Francona

The manager of the Cincinnati Reds, Francona is excited about Stewart's potential and believes he can be a middle-of-the-order power threat.

Brad Meador

The general manager of the Cincinnati Reds, Meador explains the team's strategy of playing prospects like Stewart in multiple positions in the minor leagues to prepare them for the big leagues.

Eugenio Suárez

The veteran infielder recently signed with the Reds, adding versatility as a designated hitter, first baseman, and third baseman, which opens up the first base job for Stewart to claim.

Spencer Steer

Last year's primary first baseman for the Reds, Steer is moving to left field, leaving the first base job open for Stewart.

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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.”

— Sal Stewart

“That's a big ask. He handled himself fine. He'll be OK.”

— Terry Francona, Manager

“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

“When you watch him move, that's what our goal was.”

— Terry Francona, Manager

“He's an advanced hitter for a young kid. He's not just going to get singles. He's going to do some damage.”

— Terry Francona, Manager

What’s next

Stewart will look to win the starting first base job in spring training, with the Reds' new signing of Eugenio Suárez providing flexibility in the lineup.

The takeaway

Stewart's physical transformation and determination to overcome his playoff error have the Reds excited about his potential to be a dominant defensive first baseman and middle-of-the-order power threat in the majors. His rapid rise through the minors and the team's confidence in his abilities make him a player to watch in the 2026 season.