
via Imago
Image: MLB.com

via Imago
Image: MLB.com
When baseball royalty’s offspring crosses traditional team boundaries to celebrate a .315-hitting phenom’s call-up, you know something special is happening. The son of a Boston Red Sox legend just shattered the unwritten rules of MLB rivalries with an emotional tribute to a 21-year-old slugger who’s crushed 10 home runs in just 38 Triple-A games, and it has fans talking across the league.
The baseball world witnessed a heartwarming moment as D’Angelo Ortiz, son of Hall of Fame slugger David Ortiz, publicly celebrated the major league call-up of a 21-year-old phenom. Sal Stewart, the Cincinnati Reds’ top prospect, earned his ticket to the big leagues after an absolutely scorching run through the minor league system.
D’Angelo Ortiz couldn’t contain his excitement, sharing an Instagram story that reposted MLB’s official announcement of Stewart’s promotion. His genuine enthusiasm shone through in his message: “Did it bro wowowowowo 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩❤️❤️❤️❤️ so happy for my guy.” The emotional outpouring from Big Papi’s son demonstrates how personal relationships in baseball transcend team loyalties, creating bonds that matter more than organizational colors.
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MLB, Baseball Herren, USA Toronto Blue Jays at Cincinnati Reds Sep 1, 2025 Cincinnati, Ohio, USA Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart 43 at bat in the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Great American Ball Park. Cincinnati Great American Ball Park Ohio USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKatiexStratmanx 2025090125_krs_gt1_012
Stewart has earned every bit of that celebration. Since his July 18 promotion to Triple-A Louisville, the young infielder has been absolutely demolishing opposing pitching. He’s slashing an impressive .315/.394/.629 over 38 games with the bats, launching 10 home runs while driving in 36 runs. His plate discipline has been equally impressive, drawing 19 walks against just 26 strikeouts.
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Stewart’s breakout performance arrives like a lifeline for a drowning Cincinnati offense. The Reds have been absolutely brutal at the plate, limping to just 2 wins in their last 10 games while their bats went ice cold, managing three runs or fewer in six of those painful contests. Stewart’s red-hot hitting could be the antidote to Cincinnati’s offensive poison.
Now the question becomes where exactly Stewart fits into the Cincinnati Reds’ crowded infield picture. With established veterans already manning key positions, the Reds face some intriguing lineup decisions ahead.
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Sal Stewart Gives the Reds a New Offensive Weapon
Stewart’s arrival creates fascinating lineup dynamics for a team desperate for offensive production. The Reds face a luxury problem: too much talent for too few positions. But manager Terry Francona has proven masterful at maximizing player value throughout his career.
Cincinnati created quite the positional puzzle when they traded for defensive wizard Ke’Bryan Hayes earlier this season. With Hayes now anchored at third base, Stewart suddenly finds his natural position occupied by one of baseball’s most reliable gloves. Hayes won’t surrender his spot easily, but Stewart’s scorching bat demands daily at-bats regardless of defensive alignment.

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Image: MLB.com
The versatile prospect offers Francona multiple tactical options. Stewart can spell Hayes at third base, slide seamlessly to second, or terrorize opposing pitchers as the designated hitter. His right-handed bat has been particularly lethal against lefties this year, posting a ridiculous .977 OPS that makes him invaluable in platoon situations.
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Long-term solutions might emerge naturally as the roster develops. Christian Encarnacion-Strand continues struggling at first base, currently hitting just .235 in Louisville, while Matt McLain battles inconsistency at second despite recent power surges. Hayes could eventually shift to first base, creating the perfect opening for Stewart’s glove at third. Until then, creative lineup construction will ensure Stewart’s bat stays active in Cincinnati’s pursuit of offensive consistency.
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