In the world of Major League Baseball, few stories captivate fans like the rise of a top prospect who delivers immediate impact. For Cincinnati Reds supporters, Sal Stewart’s 2025 performance has been nothing short of electric. Drafted in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft, the 21-year-old infielder has torn through the minors this year, showcasing elite plate discipline, burgeoning power, and a knack for clutch hitting. As of September 1, 2025, Stewart’s journey from Double-A Chattanooga to Triple-A Louisville—and now his highly anticipated MLB debut—marks him as one of the most exciting young talents in baseball. This article dives into Sal Stewart’s 2025 stats, highlights, and what his performance means for the Reds‘ playoff push.
Who Is Sal Stewart? A Background on the Reds’ Top Prospect
Sal Stewart, born Salvatore Maxwell Stewart on December 7, 2003, in Miami, Florida, was a high school phenom at Westminster Christian School. He posted a staggering .488 batting average with 30 home runs and 95 RBIs over 91 games, earning him a spot on the 2022 All-USA Today High School Baseball Team and a commitment to Vanderbilt University. However, the Cincinnati Reds selected him 32nd overall in the 2022 Draft as a compensatory pick after losing Nick Castellanos in free agency, signing him for $2.1 million.Stewart’s pro debut came in the Arizona Complex League, where he hit .295.
His advanced approach at the plate—marked by exceptional walk rates and low strikeouts—has been his calling card. Mentored by San Diego Padres star Manny Machado and former Reds slugger Yonder Alonso during offseasons, Stewart has honed his skills, blending contact hitting with raw power. Entering 2025, he ranked as the Reds’ No. 3 prospect and No. 52 overall in MLB Pipeline’s rankings. But this season, he’s catapulted to No. 1 in the organization and No. 31 league-wide, proving his bat is MLB-ready.
Sal Stewart’s 2025 Minor League Stats: Dominating at Every Level
Stewart’s 2025 campaign has been a masterclass in offensive prowess, especially considering he started the year never having played above High-A ball. Assigned to Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts out of spring training, he wasted no time adapting to tougher competition. Through the first half of the season, Stewart led the Southern League in batting average (.306) and ranked in the top 10 in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, home runs, runs scored, and RBIs. In 80 games with Chattanooga, he slashed .306/.377/.473 with 10 home runs, 44 RBIs, 51 runs, and 13 stolen bases, maintaining a stellar 15.5% strikeout rate.
His promotion to Triple-A Louisville Bats on July 18—following a standout Futures Game appearance—only amplified his dominance. In 38 games (165 plate appearances), Stewart has hit .315/.394/.629 with 10 home runs, boasting a 1.023 OPS. He’s notched hits in 31 of those games, including a scorching August where he slashed .316/.417/.611 with six homers and 27 RBIs—his career high for a month. Overall in 118 minor league games this season, Stewart is batting .309 with a .907 OPS, 20 home runs, 80 RBIs, and 17 steals. His walk rate has ticked up to 11.5% in Triple-A, and he’s struck out just 23 times in 139 plate appearances there.What stands out in Stewart’s numbers is his plate discipline and power surge.
Career-wise against left-handed pitching, he’s slashing .316/.416/.537 in 2025, with 69 walks against 46 strikeouts lifetime. His isolated power (ISO) has jumped to .320 in Triple-A, and he’s hit 32 doubles overall. Advanced metrics back this up: Stewart’s exit velocity peaks at 113.7 mph, with two of the hardest-hit balls in the Reds’ system (a 460-foot homer and a 436-footer). At just 21, he’s over five years younger than the average Triple-A player, yet his 199 wRC+ in Double-A and continued success higher up suggest he’s ahead of schedule.
For a visual breakdown of his 2025 splits:
| Level | Games | AVG/OBP/SLG | HR | RBI | BB/K | SB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double-A (CHA) | 80 | .306/.377/.473 | 10 | 44 | 8.2%/15.5% | 13 |
| Triple-A (LOU) | 38 | .315/.394/.629 | 10 | 36 | 11.5%/14% | 4 |
| Overall | 118 | .309/.385/.550 | 20 | 80 | 9.5%/15% | 17 |
These stats highlight why Stewart is the hottest hitter in the Reds’ system and the reason he’s now a big leaguer.
What Sal Stewart’s 2025 Performance Means for the Cincinnati Reds
Stewart’s meteoric rise embodies the Reds’ youth movement, alongside stars like Elly De La Cruz and prospects like Cam Collier. In a season where Cincinnati’s pitching staff ranks top-four in fWAR but the bats lag, Stewart’s .907 OPS could be the difference in a playoff hunt. Fans have voiced frustration over delays in his call-up, but his September debut aligns with the team’s “all-hands-on-deck” mentality.
Long-term, Stewart projects as a 55-grade hitter with 60-grade power, potentially settling at first base or DH. His 2025 stats—elite contact, improving power, and discipline—position him as a cornerstone for 2026 and beyond. As the Reds chase their first postseason since 2020, Stewart isn’t just a prospect; he’s a potential savior.For Reds fans, Sal Stewart’s 2025 story is one of promise fulfilled. Whether he mashes moonshots at Great American Ball Park or draws walks in key spots, his impact is already felt. Keep an eye on this Miami native—he’s just getting started.
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