Sal Stewart just took a major step toward his MLB debut and Reds fans are buzzing

Much like the Marvel villian Thanos, Cincinnati Reds prospect Sal Stewart is inevitable. Reds fans have been hearing for over a week that the team had planned to give Stewart reps at first base in an effort to add even more versatility to his repertoire. On Tuesday, the Reds top prospect will receive his first Triple-A start at first base.

Stewart will bat third and play first base for the Louisville Bats during Tuesday's game the Nashville Sounds. He's spent most of the 2025 season at third base, though he's logged a handful of game at second base as well.

Adding another position to Stewart's résumé only increase the chances that the 21-year-old will make his Major League debut this season. The most likely scenario will be for Cincinnati to select Stewart's contract when rosters expand next month, but they could choose to add him any time between now and the end of the season without jeopardizing his rookie status for 2026.

Reds prospect Sal Stewart just took a major step toward his MLB debut

Some fans won't like the idea of Stewart taking reps at first base, namely because Spencer Steer has had the position on lockdown for the majority of the 2025 season. After Christian Encarnacion-Strand faltered, Steer took over at first base and has played Gold Glove-caliber defense there this season.

But much like Steer, allowing Stewart to stockpile positions under his belt will only make the young prospect all the more valuable when he inevitably makes his big league debut. Steer came up as a third baseman, but has also played first and second base as well as left field during his first three seasons in the majors. Something similar could be in store for Stewart.

It is unlikely, however that Stewart will gain much time at third base. The Reds made a trade deadline deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates that brought Gold Glove Award-winner Ke'Bryan Hayes to Cincinnati, and following his latest defensive exploits on Monday night in Anaheim, fans now know exactly why Nick Krall made the swap.

It's Stewart's bat, not his glove that will get him to the big leagues. Terry Francona has certainly stressed defense during his first season in Cincinnati, but with the roster expanding 28 players in just over a week, the Reds skipper will be able carve out a spot in order to get Stewart's bat into the lineup.

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