Sal Stewart could turn the Reds' third base future into an easy (but expensive) decision

Sal Stewart entered the 2026 season as the Cincinnati Reds' primary first baseman. It's a position he's been learning on the fly since late last season, with most of his time as a professional coming at third base. But with Ke'Bryan Hayes on the injured list, Stewart will be given plenty of runway to prove he can stick at the hot corner.

Stewart hasn't missed a game all season with the majority (40) coming at first base. He's also played 15 games at third base, another five at second base, and has been the Reds designated hitter six times this season.

But with Hayes out of the picture, and both Nathaniel Lowe and Spencer Steer more than capable of holding things down at first base, Reds fans should expect to see Stewart's reps at third base increase in the coming weeks. If he continues to put up terrific numbers at the plate, while also showing improvements defensively, Cincinnati's going to have an expensive problem on their hands.

Sal Stewart could force the Reds to rethink their long-term plans

Nobody is going to confuse Stewart's defense at third base for a Platinum Glove Award-winner, but defense means very little if you can't produce at the plate. That's something the Reds have discovered quickly given how poorly Hayes has performed in the batter's box this season.

Prior to his placement on the IL, Hayes was hitting a paltry .142/.195/.225 with a 12 wRC+. Even if Hayes' defense turned the entire left side of the infield into a veritable Bermuda Triangle for baseballs hit that way, it still wouldn't be enough to justify his presence in the everyday lineup.

Unfortunately, not only has Hayes' offensive production cratered this season, but his defense has taken a step back as well. While he's still worth 7 defensive runs saved (DRS), he's sitting on zero outs above average (OAA) after posting 22 OAA in 2025; second only to Pete Crow-Armstrong and Bobby Witt Jr., both of whom were worth 24 OAA.

If Stewart and Eugenio Suárez hold down the hot corner while the Hayes is away, it's going to be difficult for the Reds to welcome the Gold Glover back with open arms. There's no telling how long Hayes will be absent from the lineup, but when he returns, he'll have to produce. Otherwise, the Reds may be forced to release him and eat the remaining three years (and $23 million) of his contract.

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