Greetings, baseball enthusiasts! As the Cincinnati Reds prepare for the 2023 season, anticipation is running high among fans and analysts alike. The team is undergoing a significant rebuild, and there are several promising young players who could make a significant impact in the upcoming campaign. Today, we’re diving into the top prospects to keep an eye on as the Reds embark on their journey towards contention.
The Reds have a rich history of developing exceptional talent, and the current crop of prospects is no exception. From highly touted high school draftees to seasoned minor leaguers, there’s a wealth of potential within the organization. As the team continues to build towards the future, these prospects could play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of Reds baseball. Let’s meet the young guns who could soon be making headlines at Great American Ball Park.
Cincinnati Reds Prospects
Overview
After years of languishing near the bottom of prospect rankings, the Cincinnati Reds have quietly assembled one of the most exciting farm systems in baseball. Led by a deep core of young pitching and several high-upside position players, the Reds’ future looks bright.
The Reds’ farm system is currently ranked 12th overall by MLB Pipeline, and it’s easy to see why. The organization has a number of highly talented prospects who are close to making an impact at the major league level. In particular, the Reds’ pitching staff is one of the best in the minors, with several pitchers who have the potential to be frontline starters.
Of course, no farm system is perfect, and the Reds do have some weaknesses. The organization’s outfield depth is a bit thin, and there are some concerns about the power potential of some of the position players. However, the Reds have a lot of young talent, and they are in a good position to contend for a World Series title in the near future.
Strengths
The Reds’ farm system has a number of strengths, including:
- Pitching depth: The Reds have a deep core of young pitchers, with several who have the potential to be frontline starters.
- Athleticism: Many of the Reds’ prospects are athletic and versatile, giving them the ability to play multiple positions.
- Upside: The Reds have a number of prospects with high upside, including several who could develop into All-Stars.
Weaknesses
The Reds’ farm system also has some weaknesses, including:
- Outfield depth: The Reds’ outfield depth is a bit thin, with only a few prospects who are considered to be elite.
- Power potential: Some of the Reds’ position players have concerns about their power potential.
- Experience: Many of the Reds’ prospects are still young and inexperienced, and they may need some time to develop before they are ready to contribute at the major league level.
Pitching Prospects
The Cincinnati Reds have a promising stable of pitching prospects, headlined by Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Graham Ashcraft. These young arms possess the potential to form the core of the Reds’ rotation in the coming years.
Hunter Greene
Greene is widely regarded as the top overall prospect in the Reds’ system and one of the most exciting young pitchers in all of baseball. The 23-year-old right-hander boasts an electric fastball that can reach triple digits, along with an impressive array of breaking pitches, including a devastating slider and a developing changeup.
Greene made his Major League debut in 2022, showcasing his raw talent but also showing some inconsistencies. He finished the season with a 5.80 ERA in 128 innings pitched, striking out 158 batters while walking 82. The Reds are confident that Greene can harness his potential and become a true ace in the near future.
Nick Lodolo
Lodolo is a 24-year-old left-handed pitcher who has emerged as a potential top-of-the-rotation starter. He possesses a polished arsenal led by a fastball that sits in the mid-90s and a sharp-breaking curveball. Lodolo also has a developing changeup that could become a valuable weapon against right-handed hitters.
Lodolo made his Major League debut in 2022, showing flashes of brilliance but also struggling with consistency at times. He finished the season with a 4.37 ERA in 102.2 innings pitched, striking out 126 batters while walking 46.
Graham Ashcraft
Ashcraft is a 24-year-old right-handed starter who has impressed with his deceptive delivery and strong control. He throws a fastball that sits in the low-90s, along with a developing changeup and a cutter that he can use to generate ground balls. Ashcraft has shown a knack for getting hitters to chase pitches out of the zone.
Ashcraft made his Major League debut in 2022, starting 21 games and finishing with a 4.09 ERA in 112.1 innings pitched. He struck out 134 batters while walking only 36, demonstrating his excellent command of the strike zone.
Hitting Prospects
The Cincinnati Reds farm system boasts a promising group of hitting prospects with a wide range of skills and potential. These young talents are eager to make an impact at the major league level and contribute to the team’s future success.
Elly De La Cruz
Elly De La Cruz is a highly touted shortstop prospect who has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting players in the Reds organization. The 21-year-old Dominican native possesses an impressive combination of power and athleticism that has scouts buzzing about his potential. With a lightning-fast bat and a powerful swing, De La Cruz has the ability to generate extra-base hits and drive in runs. Despite his raw skills, De La Cruz has shown a remarkable ability to make adjustments and improve his approach at the plate. His strong work ethic and natural talent suggest that he has the potential to become a cornerstone of the Reds lineup in the years to come.
Matt McLain
Matt McLain is a polished second baseman who brings a smart and disciplined approach to the plate. The 24-year-old American has a keen eye for the strike zone and a knack for making solid contact with the ball. McLain’s ability to control the bat and elevate his swing has led to a consistent stream of hits and a developing power stroke. As he continues to refine his skills and gain experience in the minors, McLain has the potential to emerge as a reliable and productive hitter in the Reds’ infield.
Spencer Steer
Spencer Steer is a versatile utility player who has impressed with his all-around abilities at the plate and in the field. The 24-year-old Californian can play multiple positions, including third base, shortstop, and the outfield, giving the Reds flexibility in their lineup and defensive strategy. Steer’s instincts and feel for the game allow him to make quick adjustments and adapt to different situations. As a hitter, he displays a solid approach with good contact skills, the ability to drive the ball with power, and a knack for getting on base. Steer’s versatility and offensive potential make him a valuable asset to the Reds organization and a prospect to watch in the coming seasons.
Rece Hinds
Rece Hinds is a rising star in the Reds’ outfield prospect ranks. The 19-year-old Bahamian has impressed with his natural abilities and his rapid development at the plate. Hinds possesses a powerful swing that generates easy home runs and a consistent approach that leads to a high on-base percentage. His speed and athleticism allow him to cover ground in the outfield and make spectacular plays. As he gains experience and refines his raw skills, Hinds has the potential to become a dynamic offensive weapon and a reliable outfielder for the Reds.
Joe Boyle III
Joe Boyle III is an intriguing hitting prospect who has shown a lot of promise in his young career. The 21-year-old American has a unique combination of size, strength, and athleticism that gives him the potential to be a power threat at the plate. Boyle’s aggressive approach and ability to drive the ball with authority have made him a force in the minors. As he continues to develop and refine his skills, Boyle has the potential to emerge as a feared hitter and a valuable addition to the Reds’ future lineup.
Christian Encarnacion-Strand
Christian Encarnacion-Strand is a Dominican infielder who has impressed with his ability to get on base and produce runs. The 23-year-old has a great eye for the strike zone, drawing walks at a high rate and consistently reaching base. Encarnacion-Strand also possesses good contact skills and the ability to hit with power, making him a threat to drive in runs. As he gains experience in the minors and develops his all-around game, Encarnacion-Strand has the potential to become a valuable asset to the Reds’ lineup as a versatile and productive hitter.
Positional Prospects
Noelvi Marte
Noelvi Marte is a highly-touted third baseman who is regarded as one of the top prospects in the Reds organization. Marte possesses an exceptional offensive skillset, particularly his raw power. His swing generates above-average power potential, and he has demonstrated the ability to hit the ball with authority. However, he needs to improve his approach at the plate and develop a better understanding of the strike zone to unlock his full potential.
Jose Barrero
Jose Barrero is a skilled shortstop who has shown flashes of his defensive prowess. He possesses quick reflexes, a strong arm, and an accurate throwing motion. Barrero has been working on improving his range and agility to become a more complete fielder. On the offensive side, Barrero has struggled to reach the same heights as his defensive play. He has a swing that can generate line drives, but he has yet to consistently produce at the major league level. Barrero is working on improving his pitch recognition and plate discipline to become a more consistent hitter.
Rece Hinds
Rece Hinds is an athletic outfielder who has impressed with his strong arm and speed. He has a quick first step and covers ground well in the outfield. Hinds also has the arm strength to make accurate throws from deep center field. Offensively, Hinds is developing his power and plate discipline. He has the potential to be a gap-to-gap hitter, but he needs to improve his ability to drive the ball with authority. Hinds is also working on improving his strike-zone recognition and pitch selection.
Elly De La Cruz
Elly De La Cruz is a rising star in the Reds organization who has quickly ascended to become one of their most promising prospects. De La Cruz is a versatile player who can play both shortstop and outfield. He possesses exceptional athleticism and has shown flashes of his abilities in both positions. De La Cruz has impressive instincts in the field, quick hands, and a strong arm. On the offensive side, De La Cruz is a switch-hitter with a quick and powerful swing. He has demonstrated the ability to hit for power and average, and he is also a threat on the basepaths. De La Cruz has the potential to be a complete player who can contribute in all aspects of the game.
Matt McLain
Matt McLain is a talented shortstop who has impressed with his offensive abilities. McLain is a contact hitter with good bat-to-ball skills. He has a quick and compact swing, and he generates line drives with consistency. McLain also has the ability to use the whole field, hitting to all parts of the park. He is developing his power and could become a more complete hitter with continued experience. McLain is also a solid fielder with good range and soft hands. He has the potential to be a reliable and productive shortstop in the major leagues.
Connor Phillips
Connor Phillips is a right-handed pitcher who has impressed with his combination of size and athleticism. Phillips stands at 6’5″ and has a long, projectable frame. He has a clean and repeatable delivery, and he generates good velocity on his fastball. Phillips also has a developing changeup and a breaking ball that shows potential. With his size, athleticism, and improving arsenal, Phillips has the potential to be a future frontline starter.
Rising Stars
The Cincinnati Reds have a wealth of promising young prospects who have the potential to make a significant impact on the team’s future success. These rising stars possess a combination of raw talent, hard work, and determination to reach the highest levels of baseball.
Lyon Richardson
Lyon Richardson is a 22-year-old right-handed pitcher who is regarded as one of the top prospects in the Reds’ organization. A native of Brandon, Mississippi, Richardson played college baseball at the University of Mississippi. He was drafted by the Reds in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft with the 38th overall pick.
Richardson possesses a fastball that routinely reaches the mid-90s miles per hour, along with a developing changeup and slider. His explosive velocity gives him the potential to become a dominant starter at the major league level. In 2022, he split time between High-A Dayton and Double-A Chattanooga, posting an impressive 3.26 ERA in 23 starts.
J.R. Davis
J.R. Davis is a 21-year-old outfielder who is known for his blazing speed and exceptional athleticism. A native of Dallas, Texas, Davis played high school baseball at Episcopal School of Dallas. He was drafted by the Reds in the second round of the 2021 MLB Draft with the 57th overall pick.
Davis’s game is centered around his speed and quickness. He is a threat to steal bases and make plays in the outfield that most players cannot. In addition, he has shown the ability to make solid contact at the plate, and he is developing his overall offensive skills. In 2022, he played in both High-A Dayton and Double-A Chattanooga, batting .275 with 39 stolen bases.
Christian Encarnacion-Strand
Christian Encarnacion-Strand is a 22-year-old infielder who provides versatility to the Reds’ prospect pool with his ability to play multiple positions. A native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Encarnacion-Strand signed with the Reds as an international free agent in 2017.
Encarnacion-Strand is a good hitter with a solid bat and a knack for making contact. He also possesses good defensive instincts and can play both second base and shortstop. His versatility makes him a valuable asset to the team, as he can fill in at multiple positions.
In 2022, Encarnacion-Strand split time between High-A Dayton and Double-A Chattanooga, batting .266 with 10 home runs and 67 RBIs. He was named to the Midwest League All-Star team and was rated as the Reds’ ninth-best prospect by MLB Pipeline.