Reds have a perfect opportunity to reward Sal Stewart after Rookie of the Year win

Blog Red Machine's Stephen Parello argues that the Cincinnati Reds should urgently sign National League Rookie of the Year winner Sal Stewart to a long-term contract extension. Stewart batted .263/.330/.457 while hitting 32 home runs and driving in 112 RBIs during his award-winning debut season. Following this milestone, Parello contends that Cincinnati must act immediately to secure the young phenom alongside pitcher Chase Burns.

The writer notes that small-market franchises like the Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers, and Pittsburgh Pirates have benefited from locking up young talent on early, cost-controlled deals. Parello suggests that after extending Stewart, the Reds could reshape their roster by potentially trading Elly De La Cruz for major-league-ready prospects to maximize their competitive window on a limited budget.