Why Sal Stewart Is A Star NOW For The Cincinnati Reds | MLB Breakout Candidate | News, Highlights скачать в хорошем качестве

Why Sal Stewart Is A Star NOW For The Cincinnati Reds | MLB Breakout Candidate | News, Highlights

Nick Kirby is joined by Greg Kuffner to break down the Cincinnati Reds 3–2 win over the Chicago White Sox. The duo dives into Sal Stewart continuing to redefine expectations, another standout performance from JJ Bleday, and a strong early showing this spring from Nick Lodolo. -------------- The Cincinnati Reds enter Spring Training 2026 with something they haven’t consistently carried into camp in recent years: real expectations. After taking meaningful steps forward and continuing to build around a talented young core, the Reds report to Goodyear knowing that simply being competitive is no longer the goal. The conversation has shifted toward winning the division and positioning themselves as a legitimate National League contender. The foundation of that optimism starts with the lineup. The Reds’ core remains built around young, dynamic players who have already experienced the ups and downs of a full big league season. Their athleticism, versatility, and power-speed blend give manager Terry Francona multiple ways to construct the batting order. The biggest question entering camp isn’t whether the lineup has talent — it’s whether it can find more consistency. Cutting down on prolonged slumps, improving situational hitting, and staying healthy over 162 games will be focal points this spring. There will also be competition on the margins of the roster. A handful of bench spots remain up for grabs, and the Reds have several young players and non-roster invitees who will get extended looks. Spring Training will be critical for determining who earns those final jobs, particularly in roles that require defensive flexibility and late-game reliability. The Reds value versatility, and players who can handle multiple positions could have the inside track. The pitching staff may ultimately determine how high this team can climb. The Reds believe they have significantly improved their starting pitching depth, which was tested at times last season. The front of the rotation features electric stuff and legitimate swing-and-miss ability, but the key storyline entering camp is durability. Can the rotation provide 5–6 steady innings every turn? Can the team avoid overtaxing the bullpen early in the season? Those answers will begin to take shape in Arizona. Behind the projected starters, competition for the final rotation spot — and for long relief roles — should be one of the most compelling battles of the spring. The Reds have several young arms on the cusp of breaking through, along with experienced options who can provide stability. How the coaching staff balances upside versus reliability will be fascinating to watch. The bullpen, meanwhile, looks deeper than it has in recent seasons. There are established late-inning arms, but roles are far from cemented. Spring performance often doesn’t dictate bullpen hierarchy, yet it can influence early-season usage. Finding the right mix of power arms, strike-throwers, and matchup specialists will be a priority. Another factor looming over camp is the World Baseball Classic. Several Reds players are expected to participate, which brings excitement but also complicates preparation timelines. The organization will have to carefully monitor workloads and ensure players ramp up safely. While the WBC provides valuable high-leverage experience, it also introduces uncertainty in how quickly players settle into regular-season routines. Prospect development remains a major storyline as well. The Reds’ farm system continues to produce intriguing talent, and Spring Training offers fans an early glimpse at the next wave. Even if most top prospects begin the season in the minors, strong spring showings can accelerate timelines and force difficult roster decisions. The organization has shown a willingness to promote aggressively when players prove ready.