Sal Stewart

Stewart has reportedly lost over 20 pounds this offseason and is expected to focus primarily on playing first base this spring with defensive stalwart Ke'Bryan Hayes occupying the hot corner in Cincinnati. The 22-year-old power-hitting prospect has a chance to be an immediate four-category impact fantasy producer after slashing a robust .309/.383/.524 with 20 homers and 17 steals in 494 plate appearances between Double-A Dayton and Triple-A Louisville last season. He'll compete with incumbent Spencer Steer for the starting job at first base but there's a clear path to everyday at-bats at DH after the Reds jettisoned Gavin Lux earlier this month. Stewart projects as an immediate 20-homer, 10-steal threat, which makes him an intriguing late-round selection in fantasy drafts this spring. He's a top-20 overall prospect for dynasty purposes.

Michael Harris II, Sal Stewart and Luis Robert Jr. are on the rise in our 5x5 player rankings for 2026.

Michael Harris II, Sal Stewart and Luis Robert Jr. are on the rise in our 5x5 player rankings for 2026.

McLain was called up early enough in the 2023 season to qualify as a Super Two player this year, and he'll make about three times the minimum despite missing 2024 and struggling throughout last season. He should remain the Reds' starting second baseman this year, but if he continues to falter offensively, the Reds have Gavin Lux and Sal Stewart as alternatives. Hopefully, it won't come to that.

Steer is very much in line to be the Reds' first baseman once again, even though he's regressed offensively and just doesn't seem like a very good option at this point. Aided by his home ballpark, he did wind up a sort-of-respectable .238/.312/.411 line last season. However, with his subpar exit velocity numbers, Statcast gave him just a .220 xBA and a .355 xSLG. Because of his ballpark and the possibility that he'll hit cleanup, he could be a fantasy contributor in shallow leagues if he only bounces back a little bit. Alternatively, he could be overtaken by Sal Stewart, who has to play somewhere, and/or Christian Encarnacion-Strand if he doesn't get off to a nice start.