Is Reds rookie Sal Stewart different, next in line for MLB mega deal?

Cincinnati Reds rookie Sal Stewart is different from many of the other top MLB prospects.  

For starters, the 2022 No. 32 overall draft pick has already graduated to the major leagues and is starting to establish himself with a mature approach to the game.   

The third baseman entered Friday’s game against the Texas Rangers batting .474 with two home runs and a 1.563 OPS.  

Another difference is financial. The three minor leaguers signed life-changing deals before dressing in a major-league game.  

With team owners scrambling to lock up young talent before the league’s labor issues resurface this winter, Stewart could be next in line for a multi-year contract extension.  

Reds rookie Sal Stewart proving to be different  

Over the past week, three clubs moved to secure their top prospects:   

• The Seattle Mariners kicked things off Tuesday by signing Colt Emerson to an eight-year, $95 million deal.  
• Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin, who made his MLB debut Friday, signed a record-setting nine-year, $140 million deal a day earlier.  
• The Milwaukee Brewers on Friday signed Cooper Pratt to an eight-year, $50.75 million deal.  

How much longer should the Reds make Stewart wait?  

Batting clean-up during Friday’s 5-3 victory over the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field, Stewart opened the season 9 of 16 with two home runs and four runs scored.   

Stewart’s scouting report details how he utilizes unique power and contact skills, projecting 25-plus home runs and solid hot-corner defense.  

The 22-year-old Miami native, who signed a $2.09 million bonus in 2022, is playing on a $760,000 deal, according to Spotrac.com.  

But for how much longer?