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2w ago

Reds Position Sal Stewart for Opening Day First Base After 26-Pound Slim-Down

Manager Terry Francona’s praise following a 26‑pound offseason cut signals club confidence in his bid for the first-base job.

February 13, 2026
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Sal Stewart (43) plays a ground ball off the bat of Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Enrique Hernandez (8) in the eighth inning of the MLB National League Wild Card Game 2 between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025. The Reds were eliminated from the postseason with an 8-4 loss to the reining World Series Champions La Dodgers.
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Overview

  • Francona called Stewart “one of the most advanced young hitters” he has seen, a public endorsement that has fueled Rookie of the Year buzz.
  • Coaches report improved movement after Stewart shed 26 pounds this winter, strengthening his case to handle first base.
  • With Spencer Steer shifting to left field and Eugenio Suárez available for DH, first and third, Stewart enters spring with a clear path to win first base.
  • Still a rookie in 2026 and MLB Pipeline’s No. 22 overall prospect, Stewart aims to build on his September line of .255/.293/.545 with five homers in 55 at-bats.
  • A costly Wild Card throwing error at first base lingered through the offseason, though team leaders noted he had limited reps there and back his defensive development.