Sal Stewart is Ready to Change the Culture Within the Cincinnati Reds

The Reds rookie continues to be more mature than his years on the field.

Aug 2, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart (27) reacts after hitting a solo home run in the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The MLB trade deadline has come and gone, and while many believed the Cincinnati Reds would be busy on Monday, the team was involved in a few deals.

Slugger Nathaniel Lowe was traded to the Cleveland Guardians right around the 6:00 pm ET. deadline on Monday. Lowe was a name discussed in a lot of mock deals leading up to the deadline, and now, the Reds have sent one of their best bats to Cleveland.

Another move the Reds made was sending veteran reliever Caleb Ferguson to the St. Louis Cardinals for some international bonus money. Yes, that's a real thing. The final deal made by the Reds was another trade with the Guardians to bring in infielder Juan Brito.

That's the move that was made by your beloved Reds as they look toward the future. One future piece this team already has is becoming the present of the franchise. We're talking about rookie slugger Sal Stewart.

Aug 2, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart (27) fist bumps a fan before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Heading into their series with the Athletics on Tuesday, Stewart is tied for the league lead in RBIs at 85 with Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams.

Even in his short time after being called up late last season, it was clear that Stewart can be a pillar for this future for a long time to come.

On Monday, Joey DeBerardino of WDTN spoke with Stewart during his youth baseball camp. During the conversation, Stewart shared what it means to play for the Reds.

Jul 28, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart (27) reacts after hitting a two-run single against the Cleveland Guardians in the fourth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

"I want to be a leader. I want to play for this organization for as long as I can think," Stewart said. " I need to set the precedent for myself that winning is the priority."

Nothing Stewart has done this season would have anyone thinking any differently about those comments. The Reds rookie has been one of the brightest stars in a season where this fan base could use some hope.

Cincinnati Reds third baseman Sal Stewart (27) reacts after scoring off of a Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Nathaniel Lowe (31) fielders choice 2-run RBI with an error in the eighth inning between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Friday, July 31, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

There's still plenty to nitpick about this franchise. For instance, this trade deadline feels like a flop. Is the front office willing to let players walk at the end of the season on expiring contracts instead of trading them?

However, it's okay to celebrate the positives in the dugout. Stewart is one of those positives. This team is probably not going to steal a postseason spot this season. But there is enough talent on that roster to build toward a great future.

It appears Stewart can't wait to be a part of that future.