The Cincinnati Reds have had an ok start to the 2026 MLB season, sitting at 3-3 and tied for third place in the NL Central. However, they do have one shining light: their top prospect and the MLB’s No. 20 overall, Sal Stewart.
Stewart has been slashing for the Reds, and has been a core part of their offense. And for FanSided’s Christopher Kline, he’s the biggest challenger to the MLB’s No. 1 overall prospect, Konnor Griffin, for the NL Rookie of the Year.
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“Sal Stewart has been unconscious to start the season for Pittsburgh’s division rivals in Cincinnati…Stewart is clearly an awards contender, and all the underlying data supports it…He’s far less valuable than Griffin as a base-runner and defender, which is where the Pirates rookie probably holds an edge this early in their respective careers. If Stewart is just more seasoned and productive at the plate, however, it might not matter. Don’t get it in your head that Griffin is a runaway favorite here, because he’s not,” Kline wrote.
So far this season, Stewart is slashing .474/.615/.947/.1.563 with three doubles, two home runs, and three RBI in six games played. Out of all rookies this season, it’s pretty much a fact he’s the best hitter.
As for his main competition, Griffin is a better defender, and he also had an amazing Spring Training; so much so, that the Pirates gave him a nine-year, $140 million extension before he ever played in a regular season game.
However, if Stewart can continue being a strong hitter, and be a key part in helping the Reds make a playoff run, there’s a serious chance he upsets Griffin for ROTY. Hopefully he does, and becomes a superstar for Cincinnati for years to come.
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