Reds September call-up decision risks alienating the entire fanbase

It feels like the Cincinnati Reds are standing on the edge of a decision that could either electrify the city, or crush the momentum of their fanbase altogether. Everyone knows what the people want. It’s not a mystery buried in advanced scouting reports nor a quiet front office whisper. Fans have been screaming it from the stands, and calling into radio shows nonstop, call up Sal Stewart.

The Reds’ No. 1 prospect, just 21 years old, is tearing the cover off the ball. Some fans argue the organization has already waited too long. But with September call-ups looming, the chance to inject some life into the lineup couldn’t be more clear.

Make no mistake, this wouldn’t be a ceremonial debut just to keep fans happy. Stewart has earned it. Between Double-A and Triple-A this season, the young infielder has slashed a ridiculous .311/.384/.532 with 20 homers, 74 RBIs, and 17 steals. Since his promotion to Triple-A, he’s been even better: .323/.401/.669 with 10 bombs in just 34 games. That’s production begging for a shot in the majors.

Reds risk backlash if Sal Stewart doesn’t get September promotion

Meanwhile, the Reds’ infield is limping. Spencer Steer has struggled in August, hitting just .211/.291/.421. Matt McLain? His bat has stayed cold, dragging around a .478 OPS in August. Plugging Stewart in at either spot wouldn’t just excite fans, it could stabilize an offense that’s struggling to find answers.

But here’s the catch, and it’s a nightmare scenario fans can’t shake: What if the Reds hold back the future?

Manager Terry Francona and his staff might decide there’s “no room” to get Stewart regular at-bats. If that happens, they’ll likely look elsewhere. Maybe Blake Dunn, who’s been steady but unspectacular at Triple-A (.280/.383/.362, just three home runs). Or perhaps Rece Hinds, who brings power but has yet to prove he can hang in the majors (.116/.136/.279 in 15 MLB games this year).

The fanbase wouldn’t hate those moves, but they wouldn’t move the needle either. Hinds and Dunn are fine stories. Sal Stewart is the headline.

There’s also the looming return of Tyler Stephenson from injury. While every Reds fan would welcome a healthy Stephenson back into the fold, slotting him into a September spot isn’t the same as seeing the future arrive. It’s the kind of move that gets a polite golf clap, not a standing ovation.

This is where the Reds’ front office runs the risk of alienating its fanbase. Fans aren’t asking for gimmicks. They’re asking for hope. They want a reason to believe this team is building something special, that there’s urgency to win now and in the future. Stewart represents that.

Play it safe, and Cincinnati risks repeating the Arizona Diamondbacks’ mistake earlier this year, when they rushed Jordan Lawlar to the majors without a plan for consistent at-bats. He sputtered to an 0-for-19 line with inconsistent playing time and was promptly sent back down. That’s the worst-case outcome. But the best-case? It’s the spark every Reds fan has been begging for.

The decision is simple on paper, but massive in impact: Do the Reds finally give the people what they want — or do they leave an entire fanbase disappointed, again?

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