Reds Rookie Sal Stewart Emerges as MLB's Next Big Star

The 2022 third-round draft pick has quickly risen through the ranks and is making an impact in his rookie season.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:23am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball player batting, with sharp planes of bright red, black, and silver colors representing the Cincinnati Reds' uniform. The abstract, deconstructed style captures the energy and complexity of the young player's game.Reds rookie Sal Stewart's dynamic, multi-dimensional play style is captured in this cubist-inspired illustration.Cincinnati Today

Cincinnati Reds rookie third baseman Sal Stewart, the team's 2022 32nd overall draft pick, has already made the jump to the major leagues and is starting to establish himself as a mature, well-rounded player. Unlike many top prospects who take years to develop, Stewart has rapidly ascended through the minors and is now making an immediate impact in his rookie campaign.

Why it matters

Stewart's fast rise to the majors and early success is an outlier compared to the typical development timeline for top MLB draft picks. His performance is generating excitement around the Reds' future and could foreshadow a lucrative long-term contract for the young star.

The details

At just 22 years old, Stewart has already shown an advanced approach at the plate, with strong plate discipline and an ability to hit for both power and average. In his first month in the majors, he's batting .321 with 4 home runs and 12 RBIs, helping to spark the Reds' offense.

  • Stewart was the Reds' 32nd overall draft pick in 2022.
  • He made his MLB debut on April 1, 2026.

The players

Sal Stewart

A 22-year-old third baseman for the Cincinnati Reds, who was the team's 32nd overall draft pick in 2022 and has quickly risen through the minors to make an immediate impact in his rookie season.

Cincinnati Reds

The professional baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio that drafted Sal Stewart in 2022 and has now called him up to the major league roster.

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What they’re saying

“Sal has an incredibly mature approach for a rookie. He's not trying to do too much, he's just sticking to his strengths and it's really paying off for him and the team.”

— David Bell, Reds Manager

What’s next

If Stewart continues his strong play, he could position himself for a lucrative long-term contract extension with the Reds in the near future.

The takeaway

Sal Stewart's rapid rise to the majors and early success defies the typical development timeline for top MLB prospects. His mature approach and well-rounded game have him poised to become the Reds' next big star and potentially earn a mega-deal in the coming years.