CINCINNATI -- One byproduct of Sal Stewart winning the National League Rookie of the Year Award on Monday? It likely means the Reds would have to spend more money to get the first baseman to sign a long-term extension.
As of Tuesday, there had been no talks between the Reds and Stewart's agent, Dan Lozano. Could there be any discussions coming up?
“Not sure right now," president of baseball operations Nick Krall told reporters, including MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, at the General Managers Meetings in Las Vegas.
The Reds have already locked up one young star this year. In July, All-Star starting pitcher Chase Burns was signed to a seven-year, $105 million extension. Inking Stewart would ensure their young nucleus remains beyond their free agent-eligible years.
Stewart, 22, batted .263 with a .787 OPS, 32 home runs and 112 RBIs while playing all 162 games -- with 161 starts – in 2026 and earned a trip to the All-Star Game. Defensively, he made most of his starts (110) at first base but also started games at third base (33), designated hitter (11) and second base (seven).
First base wasn't introduced to Stewart until late in the 2025 season, just ahead of his Sept. 1 callup, and he played there in the NL Wild Card Series against the Dodgers. Getting better defensively was a big offseason goal and he lost around 25 pounds to help himself achieve it. He also noted that he wouldn't mind getting more starts at his other positions.
“He took to first base really well last year," Krall said. "He played third well whenever we needed him to play there and DH’d as well. He did a good job wherever you put him. He lost weight, got more athletic last year and it really helped his defense.”
If the Reds’ offseason maneuvers required Stewart to play more at third base — his natural position when he was in the Minors — would it be possible?
“As long as he continues to stay athletic, he has got a chance to be a good Major League defender wherever you put him," Krall said. "I’m really excited about that and about his work ethic.”
No trade talks for De La Cruz … yet
Shortstop Elly De La Cruz can be a free agent after the 2029 season but as that time approaches, especially if he isn't interested in a contract extension, trade interest could escalate quickly. But as of this week, that hasn't happened.
“We’ve got three years of control left on him," Krall said. "He’s a really good player on our club. As of right now, I think if there is something out there or somebody wants to come to us and talk about it … but he’s a great player and I love having him on our team.”
Several acquisitions needed
When asked about the Reds' expected 2027 budget, Krall only replied, “We’re still working through it.” That left unanswered how much financial room he has to make several needed upgrades around the roster.
After a 75-win 2026 season, Krall did say the club's efforts would be pointed towards trying to return the club to the postseason.
“We need to add some more starting pitching," Krall said. "We’ve got to find a catcher, whether it’s Tyler [Stephenson] or a replacement for Tyler. We need to bolster our bullpen and rework the guys we have in there and figure out how we can get better.”
If the Reds can't fill their needs with free agents, it appears that Krall isn’t averse to potentially making trades using players from the big league roster, if needed.
“We’re staying open on everything," he said. "We have to look at the entire market and say, ‘What can we do and how can we make our organization better?’”