Sal Stewart made his position clear on one of baseball's biggest off-field issues during All-Star festivities in Philadelphia. The Cincinnati Reds rookie said he opposes Major League Baseball's proposed salary cap as labor discussions continue ahead of the expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement.
Speaking with reporters during All-Star Media Day, Stewart said he believes a salary cap would hurt both players and teams. The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the game's brightest young stars in his first full major league season.
Stewart told reporters, "I think it's bad for everyone — the teams, the players. I am not in favor," making his stance clear as negotiations between MLB and the MLB Players Association loom.
Stewart's comments come after Commissioner Rob Manfred discussed a proposed salary cap as part of the next collective bargaining agreement. The current CBA expires on Dec. 1, 2026, with labor negotiations expected to dominate the offseason.
The rookie's opinion carries added weight given his role with a small-market franchise. Stewart has enjoyed a breakout campaign, hitting .256 with 19 home runs, 65 RBIs and an .812 OPS entering the All-Star break while becoming one of Cincinnati's franchise cornerstones.
Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
Stewart recently became the Reds' rookie home run leader before the All-Star break, surpassing Hall of Famer Frank Robinson's previous franchise mark. His rapid rise earned him his first All-Star selection alongside teammate Chase Burns.
While the Reds have struggled in the standings during the first half, Stewart has become one of the organization's biggest building blocks. His comments also showed younger players share the MLBPA's opposition to a salary cap as baseball's next round of labor negotiations approaches.
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