Reds rookie Sal Stewart lands perfect mentor in spring training

Sal Stewart had professional baseball players like Manny Machado and Yonder Alonso as a mentors while growing up in Miami, Florida. Machado has often referred to Stewart as his protégé, and both players have been known to train together during the offseason. Machado even provided Stewart with a congratulatory video message upon his promotion to the big leagues last September.

But the Cincinnati Reds rookie will have another veteran helping to show him the way in 2026. Stewart traded in his No. 43 jersey number from last year for No. 27, and because the Reds spring training lockers are in numerical order, he'll be right alongside the player wearing No. 28, Eugenio Suárez, this spring.

“I’m excited to get to know him and learn from him as much as I can,” Stewart said. “How fortunate am I to have somebody like that right next to my locker to talk to and ask questions? I’m super grateful.”

Reds rookie Sal Stewart lands Eugenio Suárez as a mentor in spring camp

The rookie couldn't have picked a better player to learn from. Ironically, both Stewart and Suárez will be occupying similar roles in 2026. The pair are expected to receive reps at both corner infield spots and operate as the team's DH as well. Stewart and Suárez are third basemen by trade, but both will be learning first base on the fly this spring.

Geno's presence on the roster will likely force Spencer Steer into left field more times than not. Doing so will allow Suárez to be the Reds' primary designated hitter while Stewart earns his stripes at first base — a position he just began to learn near the tail end of the 2025 season.

The Reds are counting on the duo of Stewart and Suárez to be the enforcers in the middle of the batting order. Manager Terry Francona has already decided that TJ Friedl will be the Reds leadoff hitter and Elly De La Cruz will bat third. All signs point to Suárez occupying the clean-up spot, and Stewart is likely to hit in the No. 2 or the No. 5 hole on Opening Day.

Suárez's locker will sit empty for a few weeks this spring while he's away playing for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. But otherwise, Stewart can soak up the knowledge like a sponge, and hopefully put some of Geno's tricks of the trade to good use in 2026.