Reds' Sal Stewart Fuels ROY Buzz After 26-Pound Transformation

Praised by manager Terry Francona for his advanced hitting skills, the 22-year-old outfielder aims to build on his impressive 2025 debut.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Sal Stewart, the Cincinnati Reds' top prospect, is generating significant buzz as a leading contender for the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2026. After an impressive debut in 2025 that saw him hit 5 home runs with an .839 OPS in just 18 games, the 22-year-old outfielder has undergone a 26-pound physical transformation over the offseason to enhance his athleticism and power. Reds manager Terry Francona has lauded Stewart's mature and advanced hitting approach, which sets him apart from many young players.

Why it matters

Stewart's development is crucial for the Reds, as his blend of power, technique, and newfound athleticism could provide a major boost to the team's offense and competitiveness in the upcoming season. His success would also validate the organization's faith in him as a top prospect and could establish him as a rising star in Major League Baseball.

The details

Over the offseason, Stewart shed 26 pounds in an effort to improve his athleticism and complement his already impressive offensive skills. Reds manager Terry Francona has praised Stewart's advanced hitting approach, noting that he uses the whole field and truly understands the art of hitting, in contrast to many young players who rely too heavily on power before developing proper technique.

  • Stewart debuted with the Reds in 2025, hitting 5 home runs with an .839 OPS in just 18 games.
  • Ahead of the 2026 season, Stewart underwent a 26-pound physical transformation to enhance his athleticism.

The players

Sal Stewart

A 22-year-old outfielder and the Cincinnati Reds' top prospect, who is generating significant buzz as a leading contender for the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2026.

Terry Francona

The veteran manager of the Cincinnati Reds, who has praised Stewart's advanced hitting approach and believes he is one of the most mature young hitters he has seen.

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What they’re saying

“He's one of the most advanced young hitters I've seen. I remember saying that last spring. He's really an advanced hitter. So many times guys with power at that age, they try to hit with power before they learn how to hit. Sal has learned how to hit and he's going to grow into even more power.”

— Terry Francona, Reds Manager (ClutchPoints)

“He uses the whole field. He knows how to hit. He's a good hitter.”

— Terry Francona, Reds Manager (ClutchPoints)

What’s next

Fans and analysts are closely watching to see how Stewart's physical transformation will influence his individual success and the Reds' competitiveness in the upcoming 2026 season.

The takeaway

Sal Stewart's impressive 2025 debut, combined with his physical transformation and advanced hitting skills praised by his manager, have positioned him as a leading contender for the National League Rookie of the Year Award. His development could be a key factor in the Reds' offensive success and competitiveness in the 2026 season.