Sal Stewart’s new role could change the Reds depth chart fast

Cincinnati Reds rookie Sal Stewart started 11 of his 18 Major League games at first base despite spending most of his minor league career at third base. But manager Terry Francona and the Reds coaching staff are adding a new wrinkle to their infield plans for 2026, with Stewart likely to see an increase in playing time at second base during spring training.

According to Cincinnati reporter Charlie Goldsmith, Stewart is mostly going to play first and second this spring, and will spend less time at third base. The Reds have the reigning NL Gold Glove Award-winner Ke'Bryan Hayes at the hot corner, and with Eugenio Suárez now on the roster, there's little need for Stewart to receive a ton of reps at third. Matt McLain is expected to be the team's Opening Day second baseman.

With Stewart seeing increased reps at the keystone, it would seem that Francona and Co. have a backup plan ready in case McLain's 2025 struggles carry over into the upcoming season.

Reds rookie Sal Stewart receiving reps at second base puts more pressure on Matt McLain

McLain was easily the most underwhelming player on the Reds roster last season. After bursting onto the scene in 2023 and placing fifth in the NL Rookie of the Year voting, a shoulder injury derailed his momentum and caused him to miss the entire 2024 season.

McLain returned to the diamond last season, but hit a paltry .220/.300/.343 and fell out of favor with Francona and the Reds coaches. He was bumped all the way to the bottom of the Cincinnati's batting order, and were it not for his above-average defense at second base, the Reds may have chosen to option McLain back to the minor leagues.

McLain will be given a fresh start in 2026, but there's no way Francona can go into the upcoming season without a Plan B. Stewart spent considerable time at second base in the minors last season, and Louisville Bats manager Pat Kelly to Francona that second base might be Stewart's best position. Spencer Steer is also getting increased reps at second base this spring.

Stewart dropped a considerable amount of weight during the offseason, which should help improve his quickness and agility on the field. Though McLain is arguably the better defender, if his bat fails to improve in 2026, having Stewart on standby gives Francona a myriad of options.

Stewart, Steer, and newly-signed free agent Nathaniel Lowe can all cover first base. McLain, Stewart, and Steer will share second base duties this spring. Suárez and Hayes will handle the hot corner, while both McLain and Elly De La Cruz split time at shortstop.

The ideal lineup for the Reds includes Stewart at first, McLain at second, and Steer filling in the gaps. But McLain's shortcomings in 2026 obviously contribute to the team's plans heading into Opening Day, and provide the Reds with an alternative in the event that he falls short of expectations once again.