Reds Will Focus Sal Stewart On One Position In Upper Minors
Sal Stewart had a strong first half with High-A Dayton last season. His .832 OPS ranked among the Midwest League leaders at the break.
The third baseman lost the rest of the season with a wrist injury that led to surgery.
“Had a productive rehab experience at the end of last year.” Reds senior director of player development Jeremy Farrell said.
That carried forward into spring training this year. The 21-year-old played in 13 Cactus League games and hit .292/.393/.500 with two doubles and a home run. He also had four walks with five strikeouts as he showed an advanced approach at the plate.
“The biggest thing for Sal in big league camp was that he was himself,” Farrell said. “He’s confident. He went out and he performed, he fit in with that group, put together good at-bats and showed solid defense.
“And I think he’ll continue to open up eyes.”
Ever since being drafted 32nd overall in 2022, Stewart has been known more for his bat than his glove. Last season he split his time between third base and second base.
This year things are going to be a little different.
“We’re going to give him more time at third base and get him more consistent game action,” Farrell said. “We’re not going to take second base away from him completely at this point.
“We feel like him continuing to work out there and play there occasionally is good for his athleticism and footwork. But he’ll get significantly more time at third base to start the season.”
While Stewart is just getting his first taste of the upper minors this year, his bat could push him up the ladder quickly.
