Reds may unlock an unexpected version of Sal Stewart after his offseason work

During his brief introduction to the big leagues last season, Sal Stewart displayed the type of tantalizing talent that has so many within the Cincinnati Reds organization excited about what he can do in 2026, and into the future.

After demolishing minor league pitching last season, Stewart received a late-season call-up and hit .255/.293/.545 with five home runs and eight RBI in just 55 at-bats. This, after posting a collective .309/.383/.524 slash line between Double-A and Triple-A in 2025.

Stewart will be competing for a spot on the 2026 Reds Opening Day roster, and while most fans see his inclusion as a forgone conclusion, the 21-year-old hasn't carved out a permanent spot just yet. A third baseman by trade, Stewart also logged time at first base, but with Spencer Steer and Ke'Bryan Hayes — both Gold Glove-caliber players — entrenched at the corners, finding a spot for the talented prospect could be a challenge.

Where will Reds prospect Sal Stewart line up defensively in 2026?

Obviously, depending on how the Reds roster fills out this offseason, Stewart could act as the team's designated hitter. After all, it was his bat, not his glove, that earned him a promotion last season. But in a recent radio interview, Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall revealed an interesting nugget that may help Cincinnati find multiple ways to get Stewart's bat into the lineup.

"I talked to his (Stewart's) agent a few days ago," Krall said on the Reds Hot Stove League radio show. "He's in better shape. That's his goal this offseason is to come to camp in good baseball shape. And, whether it's lose weight, get faster, get more agile in the field...Sal Stewart's 21 years old. There's a lot of baseball ahead of him."

If the Reds make little to no improvements to the lineup this offseason — which is quite probable given the team's lack of payroll flexibility — it could force the coaching staff to get creative with their defensive alignment next season. Obviously Hayes, Elly De La Cruz, and Noelvi Marte are entrenched at their respective positions, but the rest of the roster is very fluid.

If Stewart is truly able to come into camp in great shape, perhaps he'll be able to line up at more than just first base in 2026. Krall mentioned Steer's outstanding work ethic and how it helped turn him into a Gold Glove finalist at first base. There's a chance that either he or Stewart could see time at second base next season. Steer can also be pushed out to left field.

Heading into the offseason, Stewart was essentially pegged as the Reds' first baseman next season. But if his offseason conditioning results in a faster, quicker, more athletic version of the player fans saw last season, Stewart could open up unlimited possibilities for the Reds' defensive alignment in 2026.