3 Positive Takeaways For Reds Amidst Tumultuous 2025

Sal Stewart, whom the Reds called up to the MLB for their Labor Day opener against the Toronto Blue Jays, is having a phenomenal start to his career. After getting a hit during his very first sat-bat, he’s averaging .250 with another hit, two runs, and a run scored. 

Stewart’s a monster behind the plate, having hit .309 in the minors, and is currently playing first base, as Spencer Steer’s glove (or lack thereof) has started to become a liability. Stewart also brings a level of energy both on and off the field that this team will need if they want to make the playoffs. 

Even if Cincinnati misses out on this postseason, Stewart is the kind of player who could have a positive locker room impact going into next year. He should only improve as a hitter, too, and whether he remains at first or not should be a fixture of this team going forward.

Noelvi Marte Explodes 

Despite an inconsistent start and missing a big part of last year, Noelvi Marte is having a breakout season. He’s currently batting .290 with 74 hits, 12 home runs, 44 RBI, and has been largely great in clutch situations. 

In fact, in late and close situations, Marte is averaging .405 behind the plate with 15 hits and nine RBI. He’s seen improvement since moving positions, increasing his batting average from .284 as a third baseman to .314 as a right-fielder. 

Marte’s ascent is a major factor in the Reds’ being competitive, and is putting him in the same conversation as Elly De La Cruz and Hunter Greene when it comes to franchise cornerstones. Regardless of how this season ends up, his performance this year has elevated him to one of the most important players on the roster. 

Reds Find New Third-Baseman In Hayes

As mentioned above, Marte started playing better offensively when moved defensively, and the reason he was moved was the acquisition of Ke’Bryan Hayes. Arguably the best defensively at his position in the entire MLB, he’s already made an impression with how he’s able to make the impossible look nonchalant.

Similar to Marte, Hayes’s move saw his offense improve. This season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, he batted .236 with 87 hits and two home runs in 100 games. Since joining the Reds, he’s batting .280 with 28 hits and three home runs. 

While Hayes’ career numbers do suggest his average will settle back down eventually, all signs indicate that he is integrating very smoothly into Cincinnati’s playstyle. Even so, if he remains a league-average hitter, his glove is valuable enough to keep him around for the long haul. 

Hayes should be the Reds’ third baseman for the foreseeable future, so although his defense is the meat of what he brings to the table, his improvement at the plate is all gravy. 

End Of My Cincinnati Reds Rant 

Cincinnati’s wildcard window is growing narrower and narrower as the season’s finish line is approaching the horizon. Currently tied with the Giants at five games back, the season could easily slip away into yet another without a playoff appearance. 

That doesn’t mean the season was a waste, however, and three major takeaways are valid regardless of how the season turns out. Stewart immediately showed he can play at this level, and his excitement surrounding the game is infectious.

Marte was already poised to become one of the floor-raising players of this team, but this season showed he can raise this team’s ceiling, too, and in a big way. Hayes’ glove is the kind that can anchor a franchise for a decade, and his batting significantly better as a Red is just the cherry on top. 

Whether Cincinnati can catch that oh so elusive final wild card spot or not, these three players should be a major factor going into next season, and many years to follow.