Reds’ surprise breakout star behind early NL Central battle

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Reds’ surprise breakout star behind early NL Central battle

Originally posted on MLB on ClutchPoints
By Dan Fappiano, ClutchPoints | Last updated May 4, 2026 10:54 AM ET

At 20-14, the Cincinnati Reds sit just two games behind the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. They’re expecting to remain true competitors throughout the 2026 season.

The team’s rotation is filled with plenty of former top prospects. And the same could be said about Cincinnati’s lineup. With players like Elly De La Cruz leading the charge, the Reds won’t be a pushover if everyone is healthy.

Amongst those former minor league stars in the lineup is infielder Sal Stewart. He was ranked as the third-best prospect in Cincinnati’s organization, via MLB Pipeline, meaning his 2026 breakout hasn’t been necessarily shocking.

But it is the way Stewart has been producing has opened eyes across the MLB world. He has left no doubt that he will be a key member of the Reds’ offensive core for the foreseeable future.

Reds’ Sal Stewart in midst of breakout

Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Over his first 34 games in 2026, the infielder is hitting .252 with nine home runs, 29 RBIs and seven stolen bases. While he has been in a bit of a slump, Stewart has still been one of the Reds’ most crucial hitters. He leads the team in RBIs and trails just De La Cruz in home runs and RBIs.

In terms of the 2026 MLB rookie class, Stewart leads all players in RBIs, is tied for first in stolen bases and ranks third in home runs. He’ll need to prove himself over a full 162-game season, but the early results have been extremely positive for the rookie.

The Reds were optimistic on Stewart’s MLB leap based on his prospect pedigree. Furthermore, he hit .289 with 40 home runs, 202 RBIs and 42 stolen bases, showing clear potential. Still, plenty of minor league stars have flamed out at the major league level. Thus far, Stewart has not been one of them.

Alongside his work in the batter’s box, the infielder has shown plenty of versatility defensively. While his primary home is first base, Stewart has already played second and third base as well in 2026. His spot in the lineup will only be more secure if manager Terry Francona can be flexible with his positioning.

Stewart still has a long way to go before completing his rookie season. But his start has officially put both him, and the Reds, on the map.

This article first appeared on MLB on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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