Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed what Reds fans are starting to see in Sal Stewart

Cincinnati Reds rookie Sal Stewart made his All-Star debut on Tuesday night in Philadelphia. He went 0-for-1 with a walk after coming on in relief of Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy during the top of the fifth inning. As they've done so often since the turn of century, the National League fell to the American League, this time by a final score of 4-0.

While this year's Midsummer Classic was the very definition of a snoozer — three of the four runs scored came in the top of the first inning — Stewart stood out among his peers. NL manager Dave Roberts, who is the Dodgers' skipper, spoke highly of the Reds' infielder during an interview with the FOX crew on Tuesday night.

"He came into my office and Oli (Marmol) was sitting with me and he said, 'Hey, I'd love to take five, 10, 15 minutes and tell me anything. Give me something.' And we talked for like 20 minutes about what it means to be a competitor, about winning pitches, and about getting people around you to play the game the right way, and what standard you set," Roberts said. "We went deep, but it was just impressive. A first-year All-Star coming to the manager's office and saying, give me anything."

Sal Stewart sounds ready to lead this Reds team during the second-half

Stewart's maturity — both on the field and in the clubhouse — has been evident since he arrived. The 22-year-old leads the team in hits (93), doubles (22), home runs (19), RBI (65), and walks (45). He's among the top-3 in runs scored (51), batting average (.256), slugging percentage (.474), OPS (.812), and OPS+ (120).

Stewart has quickly emerged as a vocal leader on this year's team. Fans have seen his contagious exuberance spill over from the field into the dugout. He wears his emotions on his sleeve, and the players actually seem willing to follow him.

The Reds have had a leadership void for quite some time. While there are veterans on the club that the players respect — Emilio Pagán, Tyler Stephenson, Jose Trevino, and Pierce Johnson — none of them display the qualities that one typically sees in a leader. Stewart may have already attained that mantle, and if he hasn't yet, he's ready to seize it.

If Stewart truly has become a leader on the field and off, the Reds have a very strict call to action this coming winter. Once the collective bargaining negotiations are put to bed, Cincinnati's brass needs to find a way to reach a long-term contract with their prized rookie.

Both Stewart and fellow All-Star Chase Burns have proven their worth rather quickly, and the Reds need to reward their efforts by locking them up for the long haul.

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