Sal Stewart isn’t the only Reds prospect who could take over at second base

The 2025 season has been a turbulent one for the Cincinnati Reds, and few players embody that rollercoaster more than second baseman Matt McLain.

Once thought to be a cornerstone of the infield, McLain has hit a wall offensively, and Reds fans are beginning to wonder if his future role will look more like a utility man than an everyday starter. With more than just one highly touted prospect knocking on the door, the clock is ticking for McLain to turn things around.

For much of the summer, fans have been clamoring for the promotion of the Reds’ No. 1 prospect, Sal Stewart. The 21-year-old has mashed at every level of the minors and is quickly proving that his bat could help stabilize an offense that’s been inconsistent. Stewart has been taking reps at multiple positions, including second base, making him a versatile candidate to eventually take McLain’s spot. The narrative has largely been that Stewart is the heir apparent.

Matt McLain’s struggles open the door for Reds’ prospects Sal Stewart and Edwin Arroyo

But there’s another twist: it might not just be Stewart. Edwin Arroyo, another rising star in the Reds’ farm system, is quietly reminding people why he was once considered one of the most exciting infield prospects in the minors. Arroyo’s defensive chops and balanced approach at the plate could make him a legitimate challenger for second base duties in the near future as well.

Arroyo’s name is familiar to Reds fans because of the blockbuster 2022 trade that sent ace Luis Castillo to the Seattle Mariners. That deal delivered a four-prospect package headlined by Noelvi Marte and Arroyo, and while former has received most of the spotlight, the latter has been steadily developing into a potential everyday player.

Now healthy after missing the 2024 season due to shoulder surgery, Arroyo is back in action with Double-A Chattanooga. Across 97 games, he’s slashing .280/.342/.367 with 38 RBI, showing off his ability to put the ball in play and keep innings alive. While the power hasn’t fully returned yet, many believe the power will come back soon.

What makes Arroyo particularly intriguing is the skill set he brings to the table. A switch-hitter with a contact-first approach, Arroyo sprays line drives to all fields and has the plate discipline to work counts. On the bases, he’s aggressive, flashing above-average speed and a willingness to steal bags or stretch singles into doubles. Add in his defensive versatility and it’s easy to see how the Reds could pencil him in at second base if McLain’s struggles persist.

Meanwhile, McLain is running out of room for error. His slash line of .222/.302/.335 with 11 home runs and 39 RBI paints a picture of a player whose bat has gone quiet for too long. Francona and the Reds coaching staff have been patient, giving him days off and moving him down in the lineup to try and get him right, but with October dreams in reach and young talent waiting in the wings, patience only goes so far.

The Reds have built their future around a core of dynamic, homegrown players. For McLain, the challenge is proving he belongs in that mix long term. For Stewart and Arroyo, the opportunity is there to seize one a key infield spot.

One thing is clear: the Reds don’t lack options at second base. The question is whether McLain can fend them off.

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