Stewart, Reds in no rush with long-term extension talks

CINCINNATI -- Sal Stewart's performances for the Reds so far this season have made him a clear National League Rookie of the Year Award contender. Could Stewart also be a candidate to get a long-term contract with Cincinnati?

At the moment, that issue appears murkier but not one that is out of the question for either side.

“He could be in consideration,” Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall said. “He’s been really good for us, but we have not had that discussion with him yet.”

It's been trendy in recent years to lock up young players well before they can become eligible for arbitration or free agency, especially for smaller-market clubs seeking cost certainty and a chance to retain rising stars.

Stewart, 22, wouldn't mind being one of those players. He is represented by agent Dan Lozano, who also had former Reds Joey Votto and Yonder Alonso among his clients. Alonso is also a close friend and mentor to Stewart.

“I was open to it,” Stewart said of a long-term deal. “The Reds don’t feel like right now is the right time, which is 100 percent fine. I still have to prove to myself and prove to the league what I can do. I leave all of that [contract issues] up to my agent. I have him for a reason. I trust him. I trust his decision-making, as well.”

Taken 32nd overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Stewart quickly emerged as a premier prospect in the Reds' system and moved up rapidly before making his big league debut on Sept. 1 last season.

While playing in all 61 games this season -- mostly at first base but also at third and second -- Stewart is batting .258 with an .818 OPS. He leads the club and all NL rookies with 12 home runs, 37 RBIs and 33 walks.

Multiple clubs have inked their young players in 2026. The Tigers signed leading American League Rookie of the Year candidate Kevin McGonigle to an eight-year, $150 million extension on April 15. Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin signed a nine-year, $140 million deal a week before McGonigle.

Although he didn't debut in the big leagues until May 17, the Mariners signed Colt Emerson to an eight-year, $95 million contract -- the largest deal ever signed by a player with zero days of service time in MLB.

Perhaps Stewart could follow a similar path to those players at some point. In the meantime, he's keeping his priorities on the field.

“I’m going to go out and focus on winning games and let Danny figure it out,” he said.