Reds fans may soon see why the front office passed on bats at the deadline

The Cincinnati Reds front office was criticized by both fans and the media for failing to upgrade the lineup at the MLB trade deadline. In all fairness, the Reds did make a last-minute addition and grabbed Miguel Andujar from the Athletics, but overall Cincinnati missed an opportunity to add a big-bat to a lineup that's starving for production.

But perhaps Nick Krall and the Reds front office have an ace up their sleeve. Top prospect Sal Stewart has been absolutely raking since arriving at Triple-A Louisville. There's a window opening soon when top prospects can be called up to the major leagues without losing their rookie status for 2026, and thus preserve the ability to pick up a Prospect Promotion Incentive draft pick for their team.

In short, the Reds can promote Stewart — an impact bat — for the final six weeks of the 2025 season without jeopardizing the ability to gain an additional pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Maybe Krall was just playing the long game at the deadline, and needed an extra roster spot for Stewart.

Reds fans may soon see why the front office passed on bats at the deadline if Sal Stewart is called up

This could all be wishful thinking, but it's also a very real possibility. Stewart has been hitting the cover off the ball for the Louisville Bats, and the Reds would be downright foolish to leave him down on the farm while they're in the midst of a playoff race.

Stewart tore up the Southern League during his time with the Chattanooga Lookouts earlier this season. The 21-year-old tapped into a little more of his power and hit .307/.377/.473 in 80 games at Double-A. The power-surge has continued since he's arrived in the Derby City, and Stewarts owns a wRC+ north of 140 and have over a dozen RBI in less than 20 games and Triple-A Louisville.

With Ke'Bryan Hayes' elite glove at third base, the Reds could option the defensive-minded Santiago Espinal to Triple-A and call up Stewart. When rosters expand in September the Reds can then recall Espinal back to the big league roster.

Having Stewart's bat available — though not necessarily in the everyday lineup — would give Francona an added weapon to deploy as needed. Stewart is going to be part of the Reds roster in 2026, so why not offer him a trial-by-fire experience before it's too late for him to make a meaningful impact in the playoff race?

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