Sal Stewart's glowing endorsement will have Reds fans waiting for one big promotion

FanSided's Adam Weinrib caught up with Cincinnati Reds slugger Sal Stewart at All-Star Media Day on Monday and asked if there's one player in the minor leagues he'd like to see join the team for the second half of the 2026 season. The Reds rookie didn't hesitate for a moment, and named the organization's top outfield prospect, Héctor Rodríguez.

"You guys will know the name Héctor Rodríguez really soon," Stewart said. "He's a very, very good player and I think he's going to make an immediate impact."

Sal Stewart praises Reds prospect Héctor Rodríguez with call-up on the horizon

Stewart spent years with Rodríguez in the minor leagues. The two overlapped plenty of times from 2023 until last season when both players joined the Louisville Bats roster in mid-July. Stewart eventually received a September call-up and was part of the Reds 2026 Opening Day roster. The club felt that Rodríguez needed a bit more seasoning in the minor leagues, however.

Rodríguez has taken that sentiment in stride and has done nothing but rake since the beginning of the 2026 season. In 89 games with the Bats this season, he's hitting .284/.364/.546 with 23 home runs, 60 RBI, six stolen bases, and a 131 wRC+.

Some fans may be curious why Rodríguez hasn't been called up to the big leagues already. It's a fair question. Outside of JJ Bleday, most of the Reds' outfield contingent has been rather underwhelming. But the Reds still have high hopes for Noelvi Marte in right field, and Terry Francona has shown an affinity for playing the likes of Blake Dunn and TJ Frield this season.

Nevertheless, Rodríguez's time will come. If the Reds, as many expect, truly become sellers at this year's trade deadline, the month of August could mark as good a time as any for the slugging outfield prospect to make his Major League debut.

There's little left for Rodríguez to prove in the minor leagues at this point, and if Stewart's prediction is correct, Reds fans won't have to wait much longer to see Rodríguez crushing home runs at Great American Ball Park

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