Sal Stewart Expected to Split Time at First Base, Designated Hitter
Cincinnati Reds rookie and top prospect Sal Stewart is expected to have a similar role as Eugenio Suarez in 2026 as a designated hitter and corner infielder, according to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. Ke'Bryan Hayes will be Cincy's regular third baseman. In addition to Suarez, Spencer Steer could also share time with Stewart at first base. Stewart made his MLB debut in 2025 but played in only 18 regular-season games, going 14-for-55 (.255) at the plate with five home runs, eight RBI, and 11 runs scored in 58 plate appearances. The 22-year-old former first-round pick in 2022 is ranked as the No. 22 overall prospect in baseball entering the 2026 campaign, per MLB Pipeline. It was encouraging that he had a 52.5% hard-hit rate and 17.5% barrel rate in the big leagues, and Stewart should be an everyday player for the Reds in his first full year in the big leagues as long as he's healthy. Stewart is a nice late-round flier with a high-end hit tool and above-average power in a hitter-friendly home ballpark.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Sheldon
Source: MLB.com - Mark Sheldon
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