Sal Stewart's development is quietly making a blockbuster Reds trade feel inevitable

Cincinnati Reds prospect Sal Stewart is knocking on the door, and soon enough he'll be making his Major League debut. Stewart's bat hasn't cooled down since being promoted to Triple-A Louisville, and it's quite possible that Reds fans will see him in the big leagues before the 2025 season comes to a close.

Though Cincinnati won't be forced to reshuffle the roster this season, if Stewart is as advertised, they'll need to open up an everyday spot for him heading into 2026. Given the recent trade for Ke'Bryan Hayes, Stewart's natural position at third base will be occupied for the next several seasons. The Reds top prospect, however, has plenty of experience manning another infielder spot as well.

Stewart has been receiving more starts at second base for the Louisville Bats, and it's quite possible that Cincinnati will look to pull off a blockbuster trade this coming offseason. Could Matt McLain be on the chopping block?

Sal Stewart's development is quietly making a blockbuster trade for Reds infielder Matt McLain feel inevitable

Once thought to be a key piece of the Reds' long-term plans, McLain's sluggish season combined with the rise of Stewart may allow Cincinnati to shop the former first-round pick during the upcoming offseason.

McLain has hardly lived up to the billing, hitting just .222/.305/.343 this season with 11 home runs, 37 RBI, and an 80 wRC+. Though McLain's defense has been stellar (5 outs above average), that won't be enough to warrant a spot in the everyday lineup with Stewart waiting in the wings.

McLain missed all of last season due to shoulder surgery, and has shown to be quite durable throughout the 2025 season. While it's possible that his lack of production could be a result of the shoulder injury, McLain could be the odd man out if the Reds are searching for a way to get Stewart into the lineup next season.

Gavin Lux and Santiago Espinal give the Reds insurance if they decide to shop Matt McLain

The presence of Gavin Lux and Santiago Espinal — both of whom are under team control through next season — gives Cincinnati some insurance. Though neither Lux or Espinal possess the same skillset as McLain, the combination of the two would give the team a serviceable option in the event that Stewart needs more time in the minors or struggles at the outset of the 2026 season.

The Reds approached McLain with a contract extension this past offseason, and he rejected it. Quite likely, the Reds' front office was attempting to low-ball McLain — who was coming off an injury — but the infielder decided instead to bet on himself. Though no one knows the exact the figures that were exchanged, that failed negotiation might play a role in the Reds' future plans for McLain.

Reds fans have seen this song and dance over the years. Players like Jonathan India, Kyle Farmer, Tucker Barnhart, and others were eventually traded away in order to clear a spot for an up-and-coming young prospect. Will McLain be the next one to be traded?

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