Reds prospect validates Manny Machado's remarks with spring training accomplishment

Every year there's at least one Cincinnati Reds prospect who catches the eye of scouts and fans alike. Two years ago, it was Christian Encarnacion-Strand. The highly-touted Reds infielder mashed homer after homer in Goodyear back in 2023, and while it wasn't enough to earn a spot on the Reds Opening Day roster, his performance certainly elevated his status within the organization. Sal Stewart could be on a similar trajectory this spring.

One of the Reds top prospects, Stewart connected on his first home run of the Cactus League during Monday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Stewart unloaded on a 1-2 pitch in the bottom of the eighth inning and watched the ball sail over the wall in right-center field and onto the berm. The ball left the bat at 103.1 mph and travelled over 400 feet.

Stewart's mammoth blast to put the Reds up 8-1 over the Dodgers validated what San Diego Padres infielder Manny Machado said about the young prospect earlier this spring. "He hits the ball to right field like a lefty," Machado told MLB.com. "He’s got a really good swing."

Reds prospect Sal Stewart validates Manny Machado's remarks with first spring training home run

Machado has been a mentor to Stewart, after revealing that the two have been working together for eight years. Machado has six All-Star appearances and two Silver Slugger Awards on his résumé; something the Reds would love to see Stewart accomplish as his career evolves.

Stewart is on his way to the big leagues, though it's highly unlikely that he'll be part of the 2025 Reds Opening Day roster. The former first-round draft pick has yet to play above High-A, but received a non-roster invite to spring training.

Stewart was slowed by an injury last season, but in 80 games hit .279/.391/.454. While his power was on full display on Monday, Stewart is known for his plate discipline and is more hit-over-power at this point in his career.

But if Stewart can tap into that raw power without sacrificing his elite bat-to-ball skills, Cincinnati may have a quite the prospect sitting in the minor leagues this season. Currently among the top-100 prospects in baseball, a strong season from Stewart could vault him into the top-25 or higher.

Stewart's position has yet to be defined, but reports out of camp signal that he's getting in work at both second and third base. But make no mistake, it's his bat, not his glove that will get Stewart to The Show. After proving Machado right with his opposite field homer on Monday, Stewart will be out to prove the doubters wrong with his play in the minor leagues this season.

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