Reds' first round of spring training roster cuts provides hint for 2025 infield plans

The Cincinnati Reds made their first round of spring training roster cuts on Wednesday; something that's quite common this time of year. The Reds coaching staff need to focus their efforts on constructing an Opening Day roster and have seen enough of players who are bound to begin the year in the minor leagues.

The Reds reassigned Jose Acuña, Edwin Arroyo, Cam Collier, Ivan Johnson, Hector Rodriguez, and Michael Trautwein to minor-league camp ahead of the team's Cactus League clash against the Texas Rangers.

Being that all six players on that list were non-roster invites to spring training, these cuts were expected. But there's a name absent from the list, and it could be a signal that Cincinnati has some big plans for one of their top prospects in the not-too-distant future.

Reds' first round of spring training roster cuts did not include Sal Stewart

Sal Stewart's name was conspicuously absent from the list of players reassigned to minor league camp. The Reds top infield prospect, Stewart has been lauded throughout the team's time in Goodyear, and this could be a sign that the Reds see the 21-year-old in the mix to join the big league roster sometime later this season.

Almost every year there's at least one prospect who makes a splash during spring training, and this year's it's Stewart. The former first-round pick has appeared in eight Cactus League games thus far and is hitting .231/.375/.539 with a double and a home run. More impressive, however, is Stewart's eye at the dish. The young infielder has consistently shown the ability to draw free passes, and has three walks to just three strikeouts this spring.

Stewart could just as easily be reassigned to minor-league camp at the conclusion of Wednesday's game against the Rangers. But given the Reds' lack of quality depth at third base, fans shouldn't be shocked to see Stewart continue to log some more games at the hot corner this spring. Stewart was in the Reds' starting lineup and playing third base on Wednesday.

It's highly unlikely that he'll be able to prove enough over the next few weeks to garner a spot on the Reds Opening Day roster, but increased time in major league camp while facing big league pitching will only enhance his chances of receiving a call-up to The Show later this year. Stewart finished last season at High-A Dayton, and in all likelihood will begin his 2025 campaign at Double-A Chattanooga.

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