Another Reds' minor-league bat is threatening to take Sal Stewart’s call-up

With each passing day, Cincinnati Reds fans get more and more excited about the potential call-up of top prospect Sal Stewart. The 21-year-old has handled the promotion to Triple-A like a pro and is hitting .337/.400/.674 through his first 23 games with the Louisville Bats.

But Stewart isn't the only Bats' player who's swinging a hot stick at the moment. Over the past two weeks, both Ryan Vilade and Rece Hinds have launched multiple home runs and own an OPS over 1.000. Something else working in their favor is a spot on the Reds 40-man roster.

Reds fans are hoping to see Stewart make his MLB debut sometime later this season — perhaps as early as Friday — but don't be surprised if Cincinnati's front office calls up Vilade or Hinds instead.

Sal Stewart isn't the only Reds' minor league bat who's raking right now

The Reds have shuttled numerous players back and forth between I-71 through the 2025 season. Players like Vilade, Hinds, Will Benson, and Connor Joe have all spent time on both the Major League and Minor League rosters this season.

In order to promote Stewart to the big leagues, the Reds will need to free up a spot on the 40-man roster. That's the easy part, and could be accomplished by designating Sam Benschoter for assignment or moving Ian Gibaut to the 60-day injured list.

Believe it or not, the biggest obstacle for Stewart might be finding adequate playing time. The 21-year-old is a third baseman by trade, but the Reds' trade for Ke'Bryan Hayes has halted any notion that Cincinnati could deploy Stewart at his natural position.

Stewart's yet to log any games at first base as a professional, and the presence of Matt McLain, Gavin Lux, and Santiago Espinal on the active roster makes it unlikely he'd find time at second base either. If the Reds call up Stewart, they're going to want him in the lineup every day, and that might not be possible with how the Reds roster is currently constructed.

Both Vilade and Hinds, however, could be used in a reserve or platoon role, making it more likely that they'd receive a call-up to the big leagues before Stewart. Reds fans have their eye on Stewart, and though it sounds good on paper, the reality is far different.

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