Cincinnati Reds third baseman Sal Stewart (43) looks out towards the field after taking a swing during warmups ahead of the MLB National League Wild Card Game between the Cincinnati Reds and LA Dodgers, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Two Reds Prospects Earn National Praise as the Best of 2025

Originally posted on Cincinnati Reds on SI
By Greg Kuffner | Last updated Oct 9, 2025 10:14 AM ET

With the Minor League season over, MLB.com writers Jim Callis, Sam Dykstra, and Jonathan Mayo went through each organization and picked each system's hitting and pitching prospects of the year.

For the Reds, their hitting prospect of the year came as no surprise: infielder Sal Stewart.

"Stewart was our choice in 2024, too, because all the guy does is hit," MLB.com wrote. "He landed in the big leagues and on a postseason roster, but not before he hit .309/.383/.524 across Double- and Triple-A. He hit 20 homers and swiped 17 bags, finishing with a 152 wRC+, helping him reach Cincy at age 21."

Their choice for pitching prospect of the year came as a bit of a surprise, but it is well deserved. Pitcher Jose Franco.

"Franco began his year in Double-A and finished it up a level. Combined, he compiled 110 innings and finished with a 3.11 ERA, .209 BAA and 9.65 K/9, leading all Reds Minor Leaguers in all three of those categories, among others."

Stewart has a good chance to make the big leagues out of spring training next season and it wouldn't be surprising to see Franco with Cincinnati at some point in the 2026 season.

You can see their picks for each team here.

This article first appeared on Cincinnati Reds on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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