Mariners decision just created a perfect Sal Stewart solution the Reds can't botch

Cincinnati Reds prospect Sal Stewart made his Major League debut last season and has already gotten off to a rip-roaring start in 2026. Heading into play on Tuesday, Stewart ranks second among all major leaguers in most offensive categories. It's still early, but he looks like the real deal.

If the Reds truly believe that Stewart is that guy, they need to show him. The Seattle Mariners just revealed the way after agreeing to an eight-year contract extension with their top prospect, Colt Emerson. The 20-year-old has yet to swing a bat in the big leagues, but has already been handsomely rewarded with a massive pay day.

According to FanSided's Robert Murray, Emerson's deal is worth $95 million, and includes a team-option for a ninth season. His contract extension also incorporates a full no-trade clause and escalators that can bring the overall deal of the deal north of $130 million.

Reds can't afford to wait around — the time to extend Sal Stewart is now

It's contract extension season, folks. A number of teams use the spring to initiate negotiations with agents and representatives in an effort to sign an organization's young stars to long-term deals. The Reds did so with Hunter Greene back in 2023, and it's now time to do the same with Stewart.

Emerson's deal with the Mariners is just the latest example of forward-thinking front office executives locking up their young talent. The Baltimore Orioles signed Samuel Basallo to an eight-year, $67 million deal last fall. The Athletics have inked a myriad of young players to new deals, including Jacob Wilson (seven years, $70 million). Roman Anthony signed an eight-year, $130 million contract with the Boston Red Sox last year, and the Chicago Cubs just extended Pete Crow-Armstrong for another six seasons.

This is the trend among MLB clubs, and to date, the Reds haven't caught on. That's not to say that they haven't tried, however. Cincinnati failed to extend Elly De La Cruz to a long-term deal despite offering him a record-setting contract. Matt McLain rejected the Reds' efforts last spring as well, and long-term extension with their starting second baseman feels out of reach at the moment.

Stewart, however, offers the Reds' brass the perfect opportunity to commit to one of their rising stars before he shines so brightly that the city of Cincinnati can no longer contain him. The Reds have Stewart under team control through 2031, but if they're hopeful to keep him around past his arbitration window, the time to offer him an extension is now.

MLB players are debuting younger and younger nowadays. Twenty years ago teams would've never offered a long-term deal to a rookie with barely 20 games under his belt. But if Cincinnati fails to extend Stewart sometime this year, the window could close forever.