Ke'Bryan Hayes deal sends strong signal to promising Reds prospect

Just before the trade deadline, the Cincinnati Reds revealed their hand. Rather than going all-in on 2025 with a rental, Cincinnati acquired Ke’Bryan Hayes, who is on a team-friendly contract with a club option for 2030.

While the deal does have immediate impact forcing Noelvi Marte into right field, the more significant repercussions will play out in the farm system where Sal Stewart will need to find a different path to the big leagues.

Stewart, like his draft classmate Cam Collier, was selected as a third baseman in 2022 but has sought greater versatility in the minors. Some of this has been due to Stewart’s direct competition with Collier for playing time at third while both players were at Double-A.

Trade for Ke’Bryan Hayes will force Reds prospect Sal Stewart to expand his defensive skills

But with a Gold Glover locked in at third base in the majors for the foreseeable future, Stewart will need to further diversify his defensive offerings in order to carve a place for himself in the lineup.

Stewart’s secondary position so far has been second base. His athleticism makes him a good fit for the position while Collier’s stout frame fits better at first base. Stewart is also blocked at second by Matt McLain. Stewart’s path to playing time may be easier here, though.

McLain’s extension talks have stalled, and his disappointing season could encourage the team to push Stewart into a backup role to protect against future slumps. Additionally, the next-best prospect at second is Tyler Callihan, whose shattered left arm could compromise his future development.

There’s a world where Stewart moves all the way over to first. His bat certainly plays; he hit four homers in his first 10 Triple-A games. Spencer Steer is wrapping up a down-year, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand is looking like a bust, so Stewart could easily jump to the top of the depth chart. No other prospects are pushing their way into conversation at the very least.

Stewart’s lack of mobility may have limited his potential at the hot corner even without the Hayes trade. His career range factor per nine innings at third base of 2.29 wouldn’t even crack the top 20 among active third basemen. Hayes, meanwhile, is the leader at the position.

In trading for Hayes, the Reds may have paved the way for Stewart to maximize his potential, just not in the way he once envisioned.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors