Reds suddenly have a surprise option challenging Matt McLain in 2026

Matt McLain's struggles at the plate in 2025 are well documented. The Cincinnati Reds second baseman hit just .220/.300/.343 with a 77 wRC+. McLain was able to stay in the lineup, however, because he one of the better defenders at the keystone last season. He ranked third among all NL second baseman last season with 6 outs above average (OAA) and committed just six errors.

But McLain may have some competition from an unexpected source this spring. Reds rookie Sal Stewart has slimmed down this winter, and is expecting to see time at both first and second base when the team descends upon Goodyear, Arizona in February.

During an appearance on the Reds Hot Stove League radio show with FanDuel Sports Network host Jim Day and MLB.com writer Mark Sheldon, Stewart revealed how much weight he's already lost this offseason.

Reds rookie Sal Stewart hopes to get reps at second base in 2026

"I felt like losing some weight could not only help me, but allow me to go play first and even second," Stewart said. "Actually today I weighed in, and I'm down 26 pounds from when I left for the offseason."

Stewart was listed at 6-foot-1, 224 pounds prior to the offseason. If those physical changes carry over to spring training, Stewart will be more than capable of playing second base. The 22-year-old was primarily a third baseman coming up through the minor leagues, but actually has more professional experience at second base (61 games played) than he does at first (13 games played).

While the Reds offseason isn't over — and there's plenty of time for more roster moves — the additions of Dane Myers and JJ Bleday may help to keep Spencer Steer out of left field next season. After a shoulder injury kept Steer at DH through the first month of the season, once he returned to the field, he became a Gold Glove finalist at first base. Given the Reds' focus on defense, manager Terry Francona may prefer to keep Steer at the cold corner to begin the year.

While Stewart didn't swipe any bags in the big leagues last year, he did record 17 stolen bases in the minors during the 2025 season. One can imagine that a leaner version of Stewart could turn into a base stealing threat in 2026, while also turning singles into doubles and doubles into triples.

Stewart has already gained quite the the fan following in Reds Country, and his hard work and dedication to his craft will only endear him to the fanbase even more.

After a forgettable season in 2025, McLain will be on thin ice heading into camp next spring, and Stewart's transformation will only increase the pressure. But a healthy competition between teammates is good thing, and it sounds like Stewart might be pushing everyone in the Reds clubhouse to step up their game in 2026.