Reds’ Sal Stewart Joins Frank Robinson on Prestigious List
Sal Stewart has delivered an electric start to the 2026 campaign for the Cincinnati Reds. He is 5-for-8, with three extra-base hits and one walk through the opening games.
Early power surge
Stewart launched his first homer of the season on Saturday. The ball cleared the center field wall. That shot helped him climb a historical list for the franchise.
Per Matt Wilkes, Stewart is tied for second in Reds history for homers through the first 20 career games. Aristides Aquino leads with 11. Frank Robinson, Josh Hamilton, Chris Dickerson, Rece Hinds and Sal Stewart each have six.
Notable on-base streaks
Stewart also reached base six or more times across his first two games. No Reds player had done that since Scooter Gennett in 2018.
He is the first rookie to accomplish the feat since Jay Bruce in 2008. The milestone highlights Stewart’s immediate impact.
Lineup and manager confidence
The offseason expectation had Eugenio Suarez hitting cleanup behind Elly De La Cruz. After the World Baseball Classic, Suarez returned and manager Terry Francona tested a different alignment.
Francona placed Stewart fourth and Suarez behind him in early games. Stewart said he appreciates the manager’s trust and feels honored by the role.
Matt McLain’s breakout moment
Matt McLain delivered a standout hit in the second inning of Saturday’s win over Boston. He ripped a double into the left-center gap that scored Ke’Bryan Hayes.
The batted ball registered 110.5 mph, the hardest of McLain’s career. He attributed the result to offseason adjustments and a more focused approach at the plate.
March 26 context
On Opening Day, March 26, 2026, the Reds fell 3-0 to the Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park. McLain’s second-inning double came later in the weekend game.
What this means for Cincinnati
If Stewart and McLain sustain this production, the Reds’ offense could be notably better in 2026. Early signs suggest adjustments from both players are paying off.
Reds’ Sal Stewart has drawn attention alongside names like Frank Robinson on a prestigious list of early-career power. Filmogaz.com will continue covering their progress closely.
