Reds' Prospects Poised for Spring Training Breakout

Sal Stewart, Alfredo Duno, and Rhett Lowder are three Reds minor leaguers to watch this spring.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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As the Cincinnati Reds prepare for Spring Training, three of their top prospects - Sal Stewart, Alfredo Duno, and Rhett Lowder - are generating significant buzz and will be worth keeping an eye on as they look to make an impact on the big-league club.

Why it matters

The Reds are in a rebuilding phase and are hoping these young talents can help accelerate their return to contention. Strong showings from Stewart, Duno, and Lowder in Spring Training could earn them roster spots and playing time in 2026, providing a glimpse of the Reds' future.

The details

Sal Stewart, the Reds' 22nd-ranked prospect, made his MLB debut late last season and impressed, going 2-for-8 with 4 RBIs in two games against the Dodgers. The versatile infielder is expected to compete for a starting job this spring. Alfredo Duno, the organization's second-best prospect, will get his first taste of big-league camp but is likely a few years away from his MLB debut. Rhett Lowder, a top-100 prospect, is looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2025 campaign and earn a spot in the Reds' rotation.

  • Stewart made his MLB debut in late 2025.
  • Duno signed with the Reds as an international free agent in 2023.
  • Lowder pitched in the majors in 2025 before missing most of the season due to injury.

The players

Sal Stewart

A versatile infielder and the Reds' 22nd-ranked prospect, Stewart made his MLB debut late last season and is expected to compete for a starting job in 2026.

Alfredo Duno

The Reds' second-best prospect, Duno was signed as an international free agent in 2023 and will get his first taste of big-league camp this spring, though he's likely a few years away from his MLB debut.

Rhett Lowder

A top-100 prospect, Lowder is looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2025 season and earn a spot in the Reds' starting rotation.

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What’s next

Lowder will look to secure the Reds' fifth starter role with a strong spring training performance, while Stewart and Duno will aim to impress the big-league coaching staff and potentially earn roster spots for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Reds' farm system is stocked with promising young talent, and the performances of Stewart, Duno, and Lowder this spring could provide a glimpse of the team's future as they look to rebuild and return to contention in the coming years.