2 The Bigs

By Sal Corso: May 1, 2024

Ironically, I have (light) ties to both of these kids. One shares my name and one I pulled an autograph of. With that, however, I confirm absolutely no bias in this write-up. These two young infielders are off to a great start. Both of which are seeing sub-20% K-rates and near 1.000 OPS for their respective organizations A-level clubs.

We just tweeted about the fact that the Reds are one of only a few organizations that are stacked with young talent at both the major league and minor league levels. Sal Stewart adds to the case. At only 20-years-old, Stewart stands as a strong 6’1’’, 215 LB infielder. One would think that’s the build of a true 3^rd Baseman, but he has a clean 1.000 fielding percentage at 2B as well. The last pick of the 1^st round in 2022, Stewart has been impressive each year, at every level. Starting off 2024 at A+, he’s continuing that streak. The 11 RBI in 20 games in great. The sub-20% K-rate is fantastic. The 15 walks and .432 OBP is amazing. Since he’s been a pro, he’s had a 103:96 BB to K rate and an even .400 OBP across 145 games.

*chefs kiss*

With a strong, but short right-handed swing, Sal keeps two hands on the bat the entire way through. Does that really matter? No. But it looks cool.

He also isn’t very pull heavy (37%), which may impact his power, but it’s a good thing. At 2TB, discipline & contact trump power early on. Power can be developed (in most cases, especially with a player of Stewart’s build), contact rarely can. Stewart has all the signs of a high-potential bat. The Reds have some special infielders in their hands with Noelvi Marte, Ricardo Cabrera, Sal Stewart, and oh, that guy named Elly De La Cruz. Something ain’t right with Sal’s bowman prices. His 1^st Bowman comes in the 2022 Draft series, and you can grab a Refractor Autograph (/499) for under $50. That wasn’t a recommendation, that was a mandate. Go get one, I am as we speak.

Sal Stewart RAKES.

.963 OPS after this HR.#RedsMiLB pic.twitter.com/a4eGvg6h8q

— Bryce Spalding (@bryce_spalding) April 27, 2024

We’re talking about a Mariners’ Shortstop prospect, weird. We’ve covered both Cole Young and Colt Emerson on multiple occasions already. So, that’s it, right? Nope, welcome Michael Arroyo to the stage. Given the names mentioned above, along with Michael’s body composition (5’8’’, 160 LB), the organization will likely move him to another position (he’s already played more at 2B this season). Regardless, at only 19 years of age, if he keeps hitting like this, the Mariners’ will find a place for him. He clearly focused on his development this winter. Here’s his change in slash at Modesto (Single-A) from ’23 to ’24:

(+.058)/(+.020)/(+.114)

Michael Arroyo crushes an RBI triple! pic.twitter.com/hYNqn4kGR0

— Mariners Minors (@MiLBMariners) April 25, 2024

His K-rate (20%) is a bit high, and his ground ball rate is increasing each year. I’d like to see Arroyo cut down on the strikeouts and get the ball in the air a bit more, but I can’t argue with his .357 BABIP (batting average on balls in play). He’s young, even for Single-A. I pulled one, then picked up another one of his 1^st Bowman (2023 Bowman set) Purple Refractor Autographs (/150). For get this, $20. I may like Sal Stewart more, but Arroyo is still a BUY for me.