Sal Stewart finally joins Reds as September call-up alongside added pitching help

The Cincinnati Reds finally called up their top prospect on Monday. Sal Stewart was one of the two players added to the Reds roster ahead of their series against the Toronto Blue Jays. Cincinnati also recalled Yosver Zulueta. Reds fans have been clamoring to see Stewart in the big leagues for some time now, and with roster expanding during the month of September, the Cincinnati faithful finally got their wish.

Stewart's promotion does not come without controversy. Why did the Reds wait so long? Where's he going to play? Will he be part of the Reds' everyday lineup? If so, which players will now take on a lesser role?

All these questions will be answered in due time. The most important aspect of this roster move is that Stewart is now in the major leagues and could be a key contributor for the Reds during the final month of the 2025 season. Entering play on Monday, Cincinnati is four games back of the New York Mets in the NL Wild Card race.

Sal Stewart finally joins Reds as September call-up alongside added pitching help

Stewart isn't just one of the best bats in the Reds' farm system, but the former first-round selection has been one of the best hitters in all of Minor League Baseball this season. The 21-year-old spent most of the season with the Reds' Double-A affiliate in Chattanooga and received a promotion to Triple-A Louisville just over a month ago.

At Double-A, Stewart hit .306/.377/.473 with a 146 wRC+. Stewart's slash line got even better after joining the Louisville Bats' roster. In 38 games at Triple-A, he slashed .315/.394/.629 with an 11.5% walk rate, 15.8% strikeout rate, and a 163 wRC+.

Stewart may not be a savior for the Reds, but having his bat in the lineup will certainly help. It remains to be seen where Stewart's defensive home will be, but he has experience at first, second, and third base. The Reds could always just deploy him as the team's DH, especially if Miguel Andujar's lingering quad injury is still a problem.

It took longer than most Reds fans had hoped, but Stewart is finally wearing a Reds uniform. Will he meet the moment? Reds fans sure hope so, as the offense has been lagging behind of late. If Stewart lives up to the billing, he could be the missing link that helps propel Cincinnati into the postseason for the first time since 2013. (The abbreviated 2020 season doesn't count.)

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors