3 Reds prospects who are poised for 2024 breakouts

2. Sal Stewart

Cam Collier got all the hoopla after the Reds were fortunate enough to select him in Round 1 of the 2023, but Sal Stewart might be the better of the two corner infielders at this stage of their minor league careers. Both Stewart and Collier rank among the Reds Top 10 prospects according to MLB Pipeline.

While Collier showed flashes during his first full season playing professional baseball, Stewart dominated the opposition. Stewart, who was taken with the 32nd-overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, got his 2023 season started at Low-Daytona.

Stewart's patience approach was evident during his time in the Arizona Complex League back in 2022, but the youngster's plate discipline shined even brighter last season. In 88 games for the Daytona Tortugas, Stewart walked more than he struck out. In a day when young players are obsessed with power and exit velo, it was refreshing to see Stewart display patience beyond his years.

That approach saw Stewart get a late-season promotion to High-A Dayton. Despite the step up in competition, Stewart stayed true to himself. In 29 games with the Dayton Dragons, Stewart struck out 18 times, but drew the same number of walks.

And don't let the patient approach fool you, Sal Stewart can still hit. Collectively, between both Low-A and High-A, the 20-year-old slashed .275/.369/.415 with 24 doubles and 12 round-trippers. Stewart even swiped 15 bags. While Stewart doesn't play a premium position, it's his bat that will see him ascend to the top of the Reds' pipeline in 2024.