One costly error can haunt a player for years, but for Sal Stewart, it became the catalyst for a remarkable transformation. Last season, during the National League Wild Card Series against the Dodgers, Stewart’s miscue at first base for the Reds led to a devastating four-run rally, sealing Cincinnati’s fate in an 8-4 loss. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was Stewart unfairly thrust into a position he wasn’t fully prepared for? And this is the part most people miss—his Minor League stats tell a different story, one of defensive prowess that contradicts the notion he’s a liability on the field. Now, after a grueling offseason of self-reflection and physical reinvention, Stewart is poised to reclaim his reputation and secure his spot in the Major Leagues.
Stewart’s journey to redemption hasn’t been easy. Promoted to the big leagues on September 1, he had logged just two games at first base in Triple-A, forcing him to learn on the fly. ‘That was so unfair to him,’ admitted manager Terry Francona. ‘He handled himself fine. He’ll be OK.’ General manager Brad Meador echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that Stewart’s rapid rise through the system left little time for proper positional training. Despite this, Stewart remains the Reds’ top prospect, ranked No. 22 overall by MLB Pipeline, and is determined to build on his September call-up, where he slashed .255/.293/.545 with five home runs and 11 runs scored.
To solidify his role, Stewart will likely need to win the first base job, a position previously held by Spencer Steer, who is now slated for left field and infield duties. ‘I’m just grateful for the opportunity,’ Stewart said, deferring to Francona’s expertise. ‘My job is to go out and give it my best effort.’ And effort is exactly what he’s shown—Stewart shed 26 pounds before Christmas, earning him the club’s ‘best shape of his life’ title. His slimmer frame hasn’t just turned heads; it’s improved his athleticism, according to assistant bench coach Mike Napoli, who works closely with first basemen.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Stewart initially feared losing weight might diminish his power at the plate. However, he’s since dismissed those concerns, confident his compact swing will maintain his offensive threat. ‘As long as my swing stays tight, the power won’t go anywhere,’ he asserted. Yet, this raises a thought-provoking question: Can a player’s physical transformation truly enhance both defense and offense without sacrificing one for the other? Weigh in below—do you think Stewart’s weight loss will elevate his game, or is he risking too much?
The addition of Eugenio Suárez to the Reds’ lineup further complicates Stewart’s path. Suárez will split time between designated hitter, first base, and third base—positions Stewart also occupies. If Suárez takes the DH role and Steer moves to left field, first base becomes Stewart’s to claim. And this is the part most people miss: Suárez’s presence could alleviate pressure on Stewart to be the team’s primary power hitter, but it also introduces competition. Francona, however, sees a potential synergy: ‘What does Sal do for Suárez? Sal’s a pretty good hitter. He’s going to do some damage.’
As Stewart embarks on his first full Major League season, he’s confident his offseason work will pay dividends. ‘I know what I bring to the table is up to par,’ he said. ‘Now it’s about trusting it.’ But trust alone won’t be enough—Stewart must prove he belongs, both defensively and offensively. With a slimmer frame, renewed focus, and a chip on his shoulder, he’s ready to silence the doubters. The question remains: Will this be the year Stewart cements his place in the Majors, or will the ghosts of past errors linger? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—is Stewart’s transformation enough to secure his future, or is the road ahead still too uncertain?
