Reds Should Explore Sal Stewart Position Change

Despite playing primarily at third base in the minors, Stewart transitioned to first base because Eugenio Suárez and Ke’Bryan Hayes already occupied the position.

Yet the Reds’ outlook at third base remains uncertain, potentially opening the door for Stewart to play there again.

Why Reds Should Move Sal Stewart To Third Base

Suárez signed a one-year, $15 million contract with Cincinnati for the 2026 season. He has a $16 million mutual option for 2027. However, given that the Reds placed Suárez on outright waivers in late August and he hit just .212 in 125 regular-season games, it seems unlikely they’ll exercise the option.

Meanwhile, Hayes had a dreadful offensive season, slashing .141/.194/.225 with five home runs and nine RBI over 94 games. While his defense remained strong with a +5 Outs Above Average, Hayes’ offensive numbers make it difficult to keep him in the lineup every day.

A top priority for Cincinnati this offseason is improving its offense behind Stewart and superstar shortstop Elly De La Cruz, who hit 30 home runs and stole 30 bases in his first career 30-30 season in 2026.

The Reds finished this season last in batting average (.229) and on-base percentage (.305) and scored the fourth-fewest runs (666). Additionally, Cincinnati’s 1,544 strikeouts were the second-most in baseball, behind only the Los Angeles Angels (1,550).

To maximize their roster this offseason, the Reds must upgrade at third base. But aside from NPB star third baseman Teruaki Sato or Alec Bohm, and potentially Bo Bichette or Isaac Paredes, Suárez is arguably the next-best option available at the position.

Meanwhile, the first-base market is more enticing, headlined by Ty France and Jake Bauers, both of whom had career years in 2026. France hit .295 with a career-high 21 home runs and a .865 OPS in 133 games for the San Diego Padres this season, while Bauers hit .266 with 26 home runs, 86 RBI, a .873 OPS, and a 143 wRC+ for the Milwaukee Brewers.

That reality could make shifting Stewart to third base a way to pursue a top free-agent first baseman.

Stewart has seen action at third during his young career, making 45 appearances (33 starts) there in 2026 and six appearances (four starts) during his first MLB stint in September 2025.

Either way, Stewart will remain a foundational piece in Cincinnati’s lineup. But moving him to the other side of the field could address one need while helping the Reds invest more strongly in another.

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