Sal Stewart's Future With Reds Uncertain Amid Extension Talks

WHO:

Razzball - Sal Stewart, a player for the Cincinnati Reds.

MLB.com - Nick Krall, Reds president of baseball operations; Dan Lozano, Stewart's agent; Joey Votto and Yonder Alonso, former Reds players and Lozano's clients; Colt Emerson, a Mariners player; Kevin McGonigle, a Tigers player; Konnor Griffin, a Pirates player.

WHAT:

Razzball - Sal Stewart hit five home runs in 18 games last year and has hit 12 home runs and driven in 37 runs in 61 games this season.

MLB.com - Stewart is a contender for the National League Rookie of the Year Award.

MLB.com - Stewart has an .818 OPS and leads all NL rookies with 12 home runs, 37 RBIs, and 33 walks.

MLB.com - The Tigers signed Kevin McGonigle to an eight-year, $150 million extension on April 15.

MLB.com - The Pirates signed Konnor Griffin to a nine-year, $140 million deal a week before McGonigle.

MLB.com - 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.

WHERE:

MLB.com - Cincinnati, Ohio, where the Reds are based.

WHEN:

MLB.com - Stewart was taken 32nd overall in the 2022 MLB Draft.

MLB.com - Stewart made his big league debut on September 1 last year.

WHY:

MLB.com - Smaller-market clubs are seeking cost certainty and a chance to retain rising stars by locking up young players before they become eligible for arbitration or free agency.

MLB.com - Stewart expressed a desire to prove himself and the league what he can do before discussing a long-term deal.

HOW:

MLB.com - Stewart is focusing on winning games and leaving contract discussions to his agent.

(UPDATED June 5, 2026 17:38 UTC)

Sal Stewart, a standout player for the Cincinnati Reds, is making waves this season with 12 home runs and 37 RBIs in just 61 games, positioning himself as a contender for the National League Rookie of the Year Award. Meanwhile, the Reds' president of baseball operations, Nick Krall, and Stewart's agent, Dan Lozano, are navigating the landscape of player contracts, as smaller-market teams look to secure their rising stars before they hit free agency. Stewart, who made his big league debut last September after being drafted 32nd overall in 2022, is focused on winning games while leaving contract talks to his agent.